User Concerns Regarding Social Robots for Mood Regulation: A Case Study on the "Sunday Blues"

TL;DR

This study explores user perceptions of social robots for mood regulation, focusing on ethical and functional concerns through a case study involving a speculative robot named Mora and the 'Sunday Blues' context.

Contribution

It introduces a novel qualitative approach using a video prototype and co-constructing stories to gather nuanced user insights on social robots for emotional support.

Findings

Users express concerns about empathy and ethical boundaries.

Participants highlight the importance of intervention effectiveness.

The study reveals diverse expectations and doubts about social robots' roles.

Abstract

While recent research highlights the potential of social robots to support mood regulation, little is known about how prospective users view their integration into everyday life. To explore this, we conducted an exploratory case study that used a speculative robot concept "Mora" to provoke reflection and facilitate meaningful discussion about using social robots to manage subtle, day-to-day emotional experiences. We focused on the "Sunday Blues," a common dip in mood that occurs at the end of the weekend, as a relatable context in which to explore individuals' insights. Using a video prototype and a co-constructing stories method, we engaged 15 participants in imagining interactions with Mora and discussing their expectations, doubts, and concerns. The study surfaced a range of nuanced reflections around the attributes of social robots like empathy, intervention effectiveness, and ethical boundaries, which we translated into design considerations for future research and development in human-robot interaction.