Want to become a robopsychologist? Is it really that crazy?

[Anonymous]

When people ask me what I want to work as in the future, I say I want to become a robopsychologist, and/or using psychology in technology and artificial intelligence, and also the how humans and technology interacts. Say, for instance if a robot were to act as a companion to a person with a mental health issue, that robot would know how to interact with them positively because a psychologist would've worked along with the people making the AI.
Or if a robot nanny was created, the robot would need the psychology to know how to interact with a child for a positive outcome. And also, we don't know what kind of artificial intelligence/robots will exist, what if they (they probably do) need a psychological assessment before they are put into the market?

But when I say that they say that is the craziest thing I have ever heard. Is this a crazy idea career choice? Or is it a good one judging by how our future is moving forward in technology?

[meowcow]

People probably think it's crazy because there is zero demand for such a job. You've created a job position that doesn't exist today, and may not exist within your future lifespan.

Robotic AI have come a significant ways over the last 20 years, but it is far from being a thinking machine. Robots are still at the point where they are very "operational" or "calculating", rather than having the softer qualities like empathy that humans have.

Another question is... how is this robopsychologist going to be a good career? That is... who would hire you? and more importantly, how would your work... if it even exists... generate value for your employer?

When an electrician fixes the wiring in a home, the home owner pays... that's where the value comes in.
When an engineer creates a new product and it's sold to the public, that's where the value comes in.

If you're researching human/robot interactions, who exactly benefits from that, and who's going to fork over the $$$ to pay your salary?

[MarkDow]

I'm a robopsychologist. Most jobs in the field will have a different title, but it's a growing field.

[Asker]

Yeah I know, robopsychologist is generally a coined term by Isaac Asimov. What kind of titles would they have in reality though so I would know which jobs to really be aiming for?

[RedRain]

It's not so crazy actually. In Japan they already have robots for lots of things, including robots that take care of old people. To be honest I think human love and empathy are irreplaceable, but I know that robots is the direction the world is going in. So, no, it's not really crazy :)

[jaydenl23]

Not crazy at all. But you'd be crazy to let this dream slip you by because of what others think about your aspirations. I personally think it's fascinating. With how much technology we are using these days, I think you're headed towards the right direction (: Dream BIG!!

[butimsharon]

It sounds incredible! I've always loved psychology and have always wanted to make social experiments so I can totally relate at some level☺

[apple24]

NO! My little apple brain couldn't handle this mess.

[Asker]

How is it a mess? 😂

[apple24]

the big word >robopsychologist<

[Mesonfielde]

This is actually really cool because Isaac Asimov had an entire series dedicated to short stories that revolved around a "robopsychologist", one of the very few books that I actually sat down and bothered to read, hah!

I just think we're not that far with AI development yet for it to be a legit career. But Google is getting there!

[Asker]

Well I guess its always gotta start somewhere and sometime soon. It does kind of exist already though, and most AI are not going to be put onto the market in a really long time, even though its already pretty developed. Most technologies we don't think exist, already do, the general population just isn't exactly aware of it. Plus I still have a long way to go with my education before getting a job if Im getting a PhD. And who knows what the world will look like in 10 years. :P

[hellionthesage]

I think its a bit to soon for that honestly. That said I think it will absolutely be needed and is very important. I do think that we need more studies on research and understanding of how our minds work and how that is affected by technology so in that regards I would say go for it, but as it pertains to AI I don't think we are nearly far enough along for that to be a viable career choice. Maybe twenty or thirty years down the line but not particularly soon. Otherwise yes I think it would be a facinating field of study.

[9mfeo]

I'm not sure, but you had better program the Three Laws into them so they don't slaughter or enslave us all.

[CountryChic]

Often what is considered crazy is what is the next big thing.

[Anonymous]

And teach them to smile better!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qyTHz9N5KNE

[sean1234]

but for a robot to interact with a person, it must read into it's programming which an actual person made... so, why not just talk to a actual person?

[abc3643]

Ask Doctor Susan Calvin what she thinks.