David Frank
Papers
2
Total Citations
32
H-Index
2
About
David Frank investigates the psychological and emotional dimensions of human-robot and human-computer interaction, with a focus on how people perceive and respond to the mistreatment of artificial agents. His research explores the perceived emotional capability and animacy of robots and computers, revealing that individuals often react to the mistreatment of these agents in ways that mirror responses to human social violations. In his most cited work, “Perceived Mistreatment and Emotional Capability Following Aggressive Treatment of Robots and Computers” (2019, 29 citations), Frank demonstrates that people attribute emotional sensitivity to robots, especially when they witness aggressive behavior toward them. His earlier study, “This robot stinks! Differences between perceived mistreatment of robot and computer partners” (2017, 3 citations), further distinguishes how social context and embodiment shape perceptions of mistreatment. Though his citation counts are modest, Frank’s work contributes to the growing field of human-robot interaction by highlighting the ethical and social implications of how we treat increasingly lifelike technologies. His findings are particularly relevant for designers and policymakers concerned with the psychological impact of human-agent relationships.
Research Focus
Key Achievements
Top Papers
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