In this episode, we dive into a study examining Gen Z’s attitudes towards robots and how perceived power impacts their comfort with these machines. Conducted both before and during the pandemic, the study explored Gen Z’s responses to scenarios involving airport check-in robots and robot surgeons. While Gen Z initially felt more at ease with robots handling simple tasks, the pandemic underscored their need for human connection, leading to a noticeable shift in their acceptance of robotic interactions. The findings emphasize the importance of perceived control and human agency as technology continues to integrate into daily life.

This podcast is based on the following article:

Merdin-Uygur, E., & Ozturkcan, S. (2023). Consumers and service robots: Power relationships amid COVID-19 pandemic. Journal of Retailing and Consumer Services, 70(January), 103174. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jretconser.2022.103174