Robotic humor can help overcome social awkwardness

What is it about?

This study looks at whether a humorous robotic object can be used to support our human to human relationships in a context of social awkwardness. We used a robotic object (that looks like a lamp) and coded it to move in a way that creates a humorous experience. Then we put the robotic object in a room with two strangers. And we tested how the robotic object impacted the strangers’ interpersonal interactions when it performed humorous and non-humorous movements.

Featured Image

Photo by Vishnu Mohanan on Unsplash

Photo by Vishnu Mohanan on Unsplash

Why is it important?

Research shows that social interactions with strangers are good for our mental and physical wellbeing. Research also shows that many people won’t initiate interactions with strangers because of a fear of awkwardness. There are a number of approaches trying to solve this issue. For the most part, they require added activities and time — meaning they don’t really help real-time natural interactions. So, our idea is that robotic objects that are already being deployed around us could potentially be coded to move in a specific way to create a humorous experience and then be used as a way to help mitigate social awkwardness. Further research is needed for wider implications.