Algorithms are poised to play an increasingly significant role in our daily lives in the years ahead. However, concerns have been raised regarding the extent to which individuals are willing to cede control to computer systems, particularly with respect to important matters such as health and finance.

Notably, a recent study conducted by Radboud University has revealed that humans are more receptive to algorithms’ decisions than previously thought, provided that they perceive these decisions to be in their best interest.

Open to influence

According to the study’s findings, people are generally untroubled by the prospect of algorithmic decision-making, as long as it leads to outcomes that align with their preferences. The study involved over 1,000 participants who were presented with a series of scenarios pertaining to online dating and stock market investments.

“The participants were asked whether they would rather leave decisions in this area to an algorithm or to a human,” the researchers explain. “When told that the probability of success was higher if they chose the algorithm, people were on average much more likely to opt for the algorithm. This suggests that people are not necessarily afraid of algorithms, but that for many people, this is yet another cost-benefit analysis.”

Many study participants valued their freedom of choice, as indicated by their willingness to accept an algorithm’s recommendations only if they were able to see its choices beforehand. What’s more, it was also important that the choices offered were fair.

Fair choices

Previous research has often presented biased options, such as asking participants to choose between a doctor with human empathy and a robot with mathematical skills for medical diagnosis. In such scenarios, people tend to favor empathy, despite the mathematical background being more relevant for accurate diagnosis.

These findings challenge the common perception that people are inherently distrustful of algorithms and suggest that fair presentation of options could increase acceptance of algorithmic decision-making.

“In our research, we presented humans and computer systems in the same way,” the researchers explain. “As a result, the choice focused more on competence, and then you see that people prefer the method that gives them the greatest yields or the most control.”

Control over our choices

The study found that humans tend to choose the solution that benefits them the most and gives them the most control over their choices. As algorithms become increasingly more effective than humans at decision-making, our preference for them will also grow. This innate drive to maximize benefits and control is a fundamental human instinct.

The study’s findings shed light on how society is likely to interact with algorithms in the future. Artificial intelligence is already being utilized in various areas of our lives, including education, medicine, and governance. Despite concerns about algorithms, this research shows that in practice, people prioritize optimal opportunities and gains over objections. Schaap suggests that this study challenges the prevailing perception that algorithms are frightening and that society should avoid them.

“This also creates new starting points for discussion: How do we present algorithms, but also: What should we watch out for? If the suggestion is made that it is much easier to leave decisions to computer systems, how much autonomy are we willing to give up?,” the researchers conclude.