16379: Humans vs. Machines: Exploring the Social and Ethical Frontiers of Technology

Monday, July 28, 2025

10:15 - 11:45 CEST (GMT+2)

Location: Bella Center: Hall B- B2-m1

Session Type: Symposium (panel)
Orientation: Research
Highlight: Showcase Symposium
Shareable link: https://cdmcd.co/zEAwmG

Organizer(s)

ET

Elizabeth Nguyen Trinh

U. of Michigan, Ross School of Business, United States

Discussant(s)

NK

Nadav Klein

-, France

Presenter(s)

MR

Micaela Rodriguez

University of Michigan

Participant(s)

MF

Matthew Feinberg

University of Toronto, Canada

Presenter(s)

JN

Jimmy Narang

University of Southern California

Participant(s)

MA

Marco Angrisani

University of Southern California
MC

Maria Casanova

-
NF

Nathanael Fast

University of Southern California, United States

Presenter(s)

DG

Douglas Guilbeault

U. of Pennsylvania
JM

Joseph S. Mernyk

Stanford University, United States
JK

Jonne Kamphorst

Stanford University, United States

Participant(s)

RW

Robb Willer

Stanford University

Presenter(s)

RS

Rachel Schlund

Cornell U., United States

Participant(s)

VB

Vanessa Bohns

Cornell U., United States

As human-machine interactions become increasingly prevalent, understanding the dynamics of these exchanges is critical for both individual and societal outcomes. This symposium brings together six cutting-edge papers exploring how humans interact with machines and each other, the individual-level and societal consequences of these interactions, and the ethical implications of machine involvement in human life. By examining a range of contexts—from conversational dynamics to civic engagement and ethical dilemmas—this symposium sheds light on the opportunities and challenges posed by the integration of technology into social, emotional, and decision-making domains. The first half of the symposium (Papers 1–3) focuses on interpersonal dynamics between humans and machines, examining short-term interactions, emotional connections, and the broader implications of AI engagement for well-being and loneliness. The second half of the symposium (Papers 4–6) explores systemic societal impacts and ethical concerns, including how AI amplifies biases, facilitates voter engagement, and challenges informed consent. Together, these papers demonstrate the multifaceted effects of human-machine interactions, offering theoretical and practical insights.