Exploring Empathy Between Humans and AI

As artificial intelligence (AI) permeates every aspect of our lives, pressing questions arise about the emotional connections humans can form with machines. What are the limits of these interactions? Can chatbots provide solace in times of distress?

Penn State faculty members and senior research associates at the Rock Ethics Institute, Daryl Cameron and Alan Wagner, are delving into these complex questions. Their work aims to shed light on the nature of empathy—whether it can extend beyond human relationships to include AI entities as well.