Care Bots & The Issue of Deception

The aging population in America is growing faster now than ever. However, we lack the proper infrastructure and resources to care for them adequately. Those involved in the field of elder care are experimenting with solutions to this problem. One of the most pressing solutions is the use of artificial intelligence, namely care bots. Care bots are a specific type of technology that aims at providing physical and emotional support for the vulnerable elderly population. While the practical benefits of care bots are evident, the ethical implications relating to social isolation, paternalism, and deception must also be considered before they can be implemented as caregivers. With a specific focus on the issue of deception, I will demonstrate that certain types of care bots, such as those that simulate a reciprocal relationship between the bot and the care receiver, are inherently deceptive and immoral. However, other types of care bots, such as nurse bots, may be ethical as they do not attempt to simulate a reciprocal relationship, and they act in a manner consistent with benevolence rather than care.