New APHF member Dr Peidong Mei is currently exploring human – AI interactions and uses via three key projects:

AI perception and adaptation in industries / Moral Attributions in HAI

As AI becomes increasingly involved in decision-making, its actions carry real-world consequences. Negative outcomes can lead to moral dilemmas (e.g. the trolly problem) and psychological barriers, shaping people’s attitudes of AI. These perceptions are crucial in transitioning to a future where AI benefits society. This highlights the need for new norms to guide us in HAI.

Relational AI

AI’s presence in society is reflected in the diverse roles it assumes, from chatbots in customer service to social robots in healthcare. Unlike traditional human relationships, which are governed by well-established social norms, human-AI relationships in workplaces and other settings present new ethical and psychological challenges. Addressing these challenges requires rethinking interpersonal moral frameworks in the context of AI.

Reshape learning in the digital era

Higher-order cognitive functions, such as learning and creativity, are essential drivers of change, acting as gatekeepers of knowledge generation and cultural evolution. However, the emergence of Generative AI (e.g., ChatGPT) blurs the boundaries between human and machine capabilities, particularly in education and creative fields. The extent to which Generative AI reshapes these processes—and the broader social consequences—remains uncertain.