LEARNING GOAL
Learning to differentiate a human being from an "intelligent" machine
PEDAGOGICAL INTENTION
Identify emotional differences
Target SKILLS
MATERIALS
DETAILED PROCEDURE
PROGRESS INDICATORS
Printed transcripts of 3 chatbot conversations (one supportive AI companion, one AI therapist, one customer service bot using emotional language)
Analysis grid
Students read 3 transcripts of AI conversations that use emotional language - warmth, concern, validation, encouragement.
Step 1
Individual analysis (10 min): for each transcript, identify (a) every phrase that creates the impression of genuine feeling, (b) what purpose it serves commercially or functionally, (c) what the user might feel during and after the interaction.
Step 2
Group discussion: 'Is a convincing performance of empathy the same as empathy? Does it matter if it isn't, as long as it helps?' 4. Introduce the concept of 'parasocial relationship' and its application to AI.
Step 3
Written synthesis: 'What are the three conditions that must be present for genuine emotional connection - and which of them can AI meet?'.
Step 4
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Step 10
Student identifies at least three rhetorical or design techniques used to simulate empathy in an AI transcript - and articulates a reasoned position on the ethics of AI emotional design.