Why do some of us love AI, while others hate it? The answer is in how our brains perceive risk and trust

The varying reactions to artificial intelligence, ranging from enthusiasm to outright rejection, stem from how our brains perceive risk and trust. A core reason for distrust is the "black box" nature of many AI systems, where the decision-making process is hidden, leading to a lack of understanding and a feeling of disempowerment. This can result in "algorithm aversion," where people prefer flawed human judgment over AI, even after a single error. We also tend to anthropomorphize AI, projecting human emotions and intentions onto it. When AI responds with perceived politeness or uncanny accuracy, it can feel eerie or intrusive, leading to suspicion of manipulation. This social response to machines, even when we know they aren't human, contributes to our unease. Furthermore, we often react more strongly to AI errors than human mistakes. When an AI, expected to be logical and impartial, fails—like misclassifying an image or delivering biased outputs—we feel betrayed because our expectations are disrupted. This is particularly true for professionals whose work AI can replicate, leading to an "identity threat" where the value of their expertise feels diminished, and distrust becomes a psychological defense mechanism. Human trust is also built on emotional cues like tone and facial expressions, which AI lacks. This absence can create a discomfort similar to the "uncanny valley," where somet... download the app to read more