The use of deception in dementia-care robots: Should robots tell "white lies" to limit emotional distress?

Author

Samuel R. COX
Grace CHEONG, Singapore Management UniversityFollow
Wei Tsang OOI

Publication Type

Conference Proceeding Article

Version

acceptedVersion

Publication Date

12-2023

Abstract

With projections of ageing populations and increasing rates of dementia, there is need for professional caregivers. Assistive robots have been proposed as a solution to this, as they can assist people both physically and socially. However, caregivers often need to use acts of deception (such as misdirection or white lies) in order to ensure necessary care is provided while limiting negative impacts on the cared-for such as emotional distress or loss of dignity. We discuss such use of deception, and contextualise their use within robotics.

Keywords

Ageing, Deception, Dementia-Care, Robotic Assistants

Discipline

Artificial Intelligence and Robotics | Gerontology | Health Information Technology | Health Psychology

Areas of Excellence

Economics of Ageing and Healthcare Management

Publication

HAI '23: Proceedings of the 11th International Conference on Human-Agent Interaction, Gothenburg, December 4-11

First Page

381

Last Page

383

ISBN

9798400708244

Embargo Period

1-16-2024

Citation

COX, Samuel R.; CHEONG, Grace; and OOI, Wei Tsang. The use of deception in dementia-care robots: Should robots tell "white lies" to limit emotional distress?. (2023). HAI '23: Proceedings of the 11th International Conference on Human-Agent Interaction, Gothenburg, December 4-11. 381-383.
Available at: https://ink.library.smu.edu.sg/rosa_publications/2

Creative Commons License

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-No Derivative Works 4.0 International License.

Additional URL

https://doi.org/10.1145/3623809.3623932