The Conversation

Abusing a robot won't hurt it, but it could make you a crueller person

Author: Simon Coghlan, Research fellow, School of Computing and Information Systems, University of Melbourne

Robots like AIBO can provide companionship to humans, and in some instances humans may even develop a strong emotional attachment to them. SHUTTERSTOCK

Set in a dystopian 2019, the sci-fi classic Blade Runner explores how artificial humans could impact our humanity. Harrison Ford’s character experiences powerful emotional and moral effects...

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The Conversation

Sustainable Erosion Control Strategies for Australia's Environment
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Generate More ROI by Properly Equipping Your Call Center
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Coronavirus highlights the painful political truth about health inequality. Is social democracy the answer?
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Coronavirus an ‘existential threat’ to Africa and her crowded slums
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George Frey/EPAAs a food waste researcher, I’m interested in how humans prepare food…
With everyone stuck indoors, esports is poised for its time in the sun
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Open or else face funding cut – Minister Tehan's edict to independent schools
Education Minister Dan Tehan has warned non-government schools that if they fail to open f…
Australia's coronavirus debate turns to the way out
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Politics with Michelle Grattan: MPs Tim Watts, Fiona Martin, Clare O'Neil and Helen Haines talk about serving their electorates during…
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Coronavirus: what causes a 'second wave' of disease outbreak, and could we see this in Australia?
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What to do if you've been fined for breaching coronavirus restrictions
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The coronavirus lockdown might help limit this year's flu season – but you should still get your flu jab anyway
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Easter eggs can bring a little 'normality' to kids in isolation. But should we ration them or let kids eat…
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Scientific modelling is steering our response to coronavirus. But what is scientific modelling?
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Teachers could be called on to estimate year 12 student grades – this is fairer than it sounds
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Personalities that thrive in isolation and what we can all learn from time alone
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Most laws ignore ‘human-wildlife conflict’. This makes us vulnerable to pandemics
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From the bushfires to coronavirus, our old 'normal' is gone forever. So what's next?
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Vital Signs: a lesson from game theory the coronavirus contrarians ignore
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Pell decision: why sexual offence trials often result in acquittal, even with credible witnesses
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Pandemic policing needs to be done with the public's trust, not confusion
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As use of digital platforms surges, we'll need stronger global efforts to protect human rights online
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Without international students, Australia's universities will downsize – and some might collapse altogether
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The coronavirus ban on elective surgeries might show us many people can avoid going under the knife
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Time well spent, not wasted: video games are boosting well-being during the coronavirus lockdown
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I'm an asthmatic: what should I do during the coronavirus pandemic?
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What governments can do about the increase in family violence due to coronavirus
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Where the wild things are: how nature might respond as coronavirus keeps humans indoors
AP NewsIntriguing things sometimes happen in places deserted by people. Plants creep back,…
Rents can and should be reduced or suspended for the coronavirus pandemic
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We're not all in this together. Messages about social distancing need the right cultural fit
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Yes, we're flattening the coronavirus curve but modelling needs to inform how we start easing restrictions
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Courts are moving to video during coronavirus, but research shows it's hard to get a fair trial remotely
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Now we're in lockdown, how can we get out? 4 scenarios to prevent a second wave
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Scott Morrison indicates 'eliminating' COVID-19 would come at too high a cost
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No, 5G radiation doesn't cause or spread the coronavirus. Saying it does is destructive
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Open letter to the prime minister: extend coronavirus support to temporary workers
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Head lice drug Ivermectin is being tested as a possible coronavirus treatment, but that's no reason to buy it
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Morrison sees massive ratings surge in Newspoll over coronavirus crisis; Trump also improves
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During the Great Depression, many newspapers betrayed their readers. Some are doing it again now
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Automatic doors: the simple technology that could help stop coronavirus spreading
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Vital Signs: Scott Morrison is steering in the right direction, but we're going to need a bigger boat
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Morrison has rescued childcare from COVID-19 collapse – but the details are still murky
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Who can get tested for coronavirus?
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1 in 10 children affected by bushfires is Indigenous. We've been ignoring them for too long
The catastrophic bushfire season is officially over, but governments, agencies and communi…