About the event
HumAIn is pleased to host a talk by Professor Petter Bae Brandtzæg (Department of Media and Communication, University of Oslo), based on his forthcoming article, “Relational Conflicts in Human – AI Relationships – a user study” (co-authored with Marita Skjuve and Asbjørn Følstad).
Drawing on theories of interpersonal conflict and social penetration, the study explores how users experience and navigate conflicts with social AI systems such as Replika, Character.ai, and ChatGPT. Based on a survey of 163 individuals who reported close, friendship-like or romantic ties to AI companions, the research identifies the types, triggers, and impacts of conflicts that unfold in these relationships. Findings highlight that conflicts with AI are not merely technical disruptions, but meaningful social events that can evoke emotions such as anger, frustration, betrayal, or guilt – mirroring dynamics in human interactions. The study also shows how the AI’s responses, whether apologetic or dismissive, play a central role in shaping how these conflicts evolve.
The presentation will address the implications of these findings for relational communication theory as well as for the ethical design of emotionally responsive AI companions.
The event will open with an introduction by Professor Steffen Krüger (Department of Media and Communication, University of Oslo).
Speaker Bio
Petter Bae Brandtzæg is Professor in Media Innovations at the University of Oslo and Chief Scientist at SINTEF Digital. His research focuses on the use, motivations, and societal impact of new media technologies, including generative artificial intelligence (AI) and social media.
His research has garnered attention from international media outlets such as The Atlantic, The New York Times, WIRED, CNET, The Guardian, Le Monde, and ACM News.
Organizer
HumAIn: A Humanities Hub for the Reimagination of AI
The seminar is part of the seminar series "HumAIn works" with the theme
“The Human Measure(d).”