Jennifer Hagman

About

Jennifer Hagman is a researcher whose work centers on human-robot interaction, social cognition, and the psychological dimensions of emerging technologies. Her most notable contribution examines how people form meaningful relationships with robotic companions, particularly through her landmark 2003 study, "Hardware companions?" which garnered an impressive 270 citations. In that work, Hagman and her colleagues analyzed over 6,400 spontaneous postings in online discussion forums dedicated to AIBO, Sony's robotic pet, revealing that users consistently engaged with the robot in deeply psychological ways. Strikingly, 75% of participants attributed technological essences to AIBO, suggesting that people naturally extend social and quasi-emotional frameworks to robotic entities. This research was preceded by a 2002 companion study, "'I care about him as a pal,'" which similarly uncovered how forum users ascribed agency, social qualities, and essence-like properties to AIBO, with 79% referencing conceptions of essence and 60% attributing agency. Together, these studies positioned Hagman as an early and influential voice in understanding how humans psychologically accommodate robots into their social worlds — a question that has only grown more urgent as robotic technology becomes increasingly integrated into everyday life.

Research Focus

Key Achievements

Top Papers

1. 1
   Hardware companions?

   270 citations · 2003
2. 2
   "I care about him as a pal"

   2 citations · 2002

Key Collaborators

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