How Human Is Too Human? Robots, Trust, and Emotional Manipulation

Welcome to AI in Gov: Inside the Black Box. This podcast series explores the transformative role of artificial intelligence in government, with a focus on innovation, collaboration, and impact.

Dr. Elizabeth Phillips returns to AI-in-Gov: Inside the Black Box to join Richard Jacik and Amarda Shehu for a wide-ranging conversation on what happens when AI and robots start to look—and feel—more human. Drawing on her research at the intersection of human factors, robotics, and psychology, Phillips explores how anthropomorphic design shapes trust, emotional attachment, and perception, and why those same qualities can lead to manipulation, over-reliance, and ethical risk. From bonded relationships with robots to the dangers of embodied hallucinations, this episode digs into where human-centered design helps—and where it may go too far.

To connect with Beth, follow her on LinkedIn here.

Connect with host Amarda Shehu on LinkedIn here.
Connect with host Richard Jacik on LinkedIn here.
For more information about the GMU AI-in-Gov Council, follow them on LinkedIn here.

This episode is sponsored by Alapient.