Conventions & Events > 2026 APS Annual Convention > Self-Consciousness, Embodiment, and Social Interactions in Humans and Artificial Agents Sessions

Self-Consciousness, Embodiment, and Social Interactions in Humans and Artificial Agents Sessions

Self-Consciousness, Embodiment, and Social Interactions in Humans and Artificial Agents Symposia Session

From experiments in immersive virtual reality to studies of bodily awareness, new research highlights how embodiment underpins self-consciousness and social perception. Studies show that interoceptive and somatosensory cues—such as heartbeat-linked signals—influence how trustworthy we find other people, while shifts in bodily awareness and perspective-taking reveal how fragile and malleable our sense of self can be. As artificial agents become social partners, the challenge is to understand how trust and mental state attribution, long rooted in embodied human interaction, can be extended to machines—and what this means for the future of human–AI relationships.  

Speakers:

  • Tony Prescott, The University of Sheffield, United Kingdom
  • Agnieszka Wykowska, Italian Institute of Technology, Italy
  • Anna Ciaunica, University of Lisbon, Portugal
  • Kathryn Hirsh-Pasek, Temple University, USA

ISS Linked Flash Talk Session

16:15 – 17:15 (4:15 PM – 5:15 PM)

How Humans Perceive Relationships With Embodied Artificial Agents: A Naturalistic Field Study of Human–Robot Relations

Presenting Author: Ritsuko Iwai, RIKEN Information R&D and Strategy Headquarters, Japan

Abstract: How do interactions with embodied artificial agents (EAA; AI-powered robots) relate to people’s relational perceptions of them? At Expo 2025, visitors (N=619) interacted with three autonomous robots representing emotional, physical, conversational modalities. Brief interactions were associated with changes in relational perceptions, highlighting EAA’s relevance for psychological science.

Feeling Sorry for Someone? Think Twice, They May Not be Human.

Presenting Author: Junko Kanero, Sabanci University, Turkey

Abstract: We examined how people respond emotionally to AI podcast hosts. In a 2×2 experiment (N=184), participants heard short or long episodes, with or without AI disclosure. Disclosure reduced agency attribution, while longer exposure increased experience attribution, especially for empathic individuals, suggesting exposure and trait empathy shape emotional responses to AI.

The Predictive Value of Empathy or Why We Devalue Empathy From AI

Presenting Author: Anat Perry, Harvard Radcliffe Institute for Advanced Study, USA

Abstract: Humans value empathy as a predictive signal of future interactions, not just emotional comfort. Because empathy conveys effort, AI-generated or AI-edited responses lose credibility as “costly signals.” Experiments manipulating storyteller and responder effort show that perceived human effort strongly predicts empathy, trust, and support with implications for an AI-mediated world.

Does Embodiment Increase Perceived Consciousness? Testing How Avatar-Based AI Agents Influence Human Social Responses

Presenting Author: Arhama Faridi, Queen Mary University of London, United Kingdom

Abstract: This study investigates whether embodied AI, including expressive avatar agents, heightens perceived self-consciousness and changes human social behavior. Compared with text and voice AI, avatars evoked stronger mind attribution, trust, social presence, and emotional disclosure. These findings reveal that embodiment powerfully reshapes human–AI boundaries and carries psychological and ethical implications.

A Measurement Toolkit for Assessing Emotional and Relational Engagement With AI: Development and Validation of Three Scales

Presenting Author: Chuqi Chen, School of Psychology and Cognitive Science, East China Normal University, China

Abstract: This study developed a measurement toolkit to assess individuals’ emotional and relational engagement with AI. Specifically, we developed and validated three measures capturing muli-dimensional use of AI, perceived uniqueness of AI interaction, and perceived relational qualities with AI, setting up foundations for future research studying human-AI relationships and attachment.

ISS Linked Workshop: Liminal Bodies, Illusory Selve

17:30 – 19:00 (5:30 PM – 7:00 PM)

Presenting Author: Marte Roel Lesur, University of Zurich, Switzerland

Abstract: Through mirrors, rubber hands, VR body-swaps, and beyond, participants gain an overview and first-hand experience of bodily illusions and their effects on self–other perception. Given the experiential nature of the workshop, not all participants can be guaranteed hands-on participation.