The Social Identity of the Robot Pet: A multi-dimensional perspective

Abstract

With the invention and application of artificial intelligence products into modern society, robot pets have become one of the important products. At present, along with the gradual integration of robot pets into human life and becoming people’s intimate companions, more and more people begin to pay attention to the social identity of robot pets. In order to clarify the social identity of robotic pets in modern society, this study used questionnaires and interviews to collect the acceptance attitudes and perspectives of residents from the Yangtze River Delta region toward robotic pets as companions. It is found that there is diversity in public acceptance of robotic pets, and that health, emotional needs, and the function of the robots are important factors influencing people’s choice of robotic pets. Regarding the social status of robotic pets, some people believe that robotic pets should be regarded as an integral part of society. While others believe they lack socio-emotional attributes and should not have a social identity. In the future, pet robots will move toward personalization, multifunctionality, or cross-industry cooperation, where their social identity is expected to be strengthened. In conclusion, this study organizes the social cognition of robotic pets, gives an empirical basis for the study of the social identity of robotic pets, and provides guidance for the future direction of AI products.