The Dual Role of AI: A Capable Assistant in Collaboration and a Scapegoat in Competition

This study aims to delve into the mechanisms by which two distinct relationship modes—collaboration and competition—affect human perceptions of warmth and competence towards artificial intelligence (AI), focusing on the roles of anthropomorphism and contact approaches. In the first study (N = 242), we simulated the dynamics of collaboration and competition between humans and AI and the approaches of direct and indirect contact. In the second study (N = 256), we controlled the collaborative and competitive relationships between humans and AI, in addition to different degrees of anthropomorphism. Feedback from participants on their perceptions of warmth and competence towards AI from two studies indicated that the collaborative relationship could significantly enhance participants’ perceptions of warmth and competence towards AI, while the competitive relationship had the opposite effect, treating AI as a scapegoat. Moreover, a high level of anthropomorphism not only enhanced participants’ perception of AI’s competence but also led to a higher level of perceived warmth in collaborative interactions. Finally, the contact approach had no significant effect on perceptions of AI’s warmth and competence.