Quote:
Originally Posted by inBOIL
D'awwww, they're so cute. This seems more artsy than scientific, although the possibilities for scientific research are intriguing. I'd like to see how much difference there is between people's willingness to help cute robots vs. ugly robots. Or robots vs. children.
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See, I thought about this too, and I don't think people would be as willing to help another person.
I'm a 40 year old male. If I came across a child, 4 or 5 years old, that's obviously lost and separated from their guardian, I'm not going to go within 10 feet of the child. I'll call the police, and stay where I can see them, and address whoever comes to get the child if they get there before the police do, but I'm not going to put myself in a situation where I might be accused of dubious intentions sometime later. Is that calloused? You bet. But these are the times we are living in. Other people's distrust and paranoia have to be taken into consideration, even by potential good Samaritans.
And if the person needing help is older, the question is "what is this person's motive?" I am much more likely to help an adult than a child (and by an adult, I mean an honest to God, over 18 adult), with the knowledge that my assistance may just be a means to an ulterior motive. Flat tires? I can see that flat tire, I can assess the problem for myself, and I won't hesitate to lend a hand changing it. You want me to give you a ride? Now I can't assess the situation, so you most likely won't be getting a ride.
A little robot that wants you to help steer him in the right direction? Little robots don't have ulterior motives, so why not give him a hand?