Agentic and communal motivations underlying human–AI interactions

Abstract

Artificial intelligence (AI) systems are ubiquitous in human society, and the quality of human–AI relationships is closely related to people's well-being. In the context of frequent human–technology interactions, understanding psychological processes – particularly, the motivational mechanisms – underlying people's engagement with AI is of increasing research interest. Based on the overarching framework of agency and communion, we review research on how agentic and communal motivations shape two key aspects of engagement with AI: the perceived mind in AI and attitudes or behaviours towards AI. We also identify cultural differences in motivational engagement with AI. Moreover, we flesh out key directions for future research, which include considering how motivational systems shape and are shaped by human–AI interaction; examining how agentic and communal motivations jointly shape engagement with AI; and exploring how cultural differences in engagement with AI develop. Finally, we conclude that studying motivational engagement with AI could provide an opportunity to deepen the understanding of people's motivational processes and human–technology relationships.