In this article, we explained social norms and etiquette, the characteristics, how AI Is changing social norms, AI etiquette principles.
Definition
Social norms are the informal, often unwritten, rules that govern behavior within a group or society. They dictate what is considered acceptable and appropriate, shaping how individuals interact and behave in different situations. These norms are learned and reinforced through social interaction and can vary across cultures and communities.
Etiquette refers to the codes of polite behavior in social or professional settings.
Characteristics of Social Norms
Unwritten Rules:
Social norms are shared, informal expectations that govern conduct in a society or group, though they can also be formalized into laws.
Guiding Behavior:
They dictate what is considered acceptable, appropriate, and expected in various situations, guiding human actions and interactions.
Socialization:
People learn social norms from a young age through observation and imitation, internalizing them as beliefs about correct conduct.
Social Sanctions:
Adherence to norms is often rewarded, while non-conformity can lead to social sanctions or negative consequences.
Cultural Variation:
Norms are not universal; they differ significantly across cultures, time periods, and social groups.
Types of Norms:
Social norms are categorized as:
Folkways: Everyday customs and traditions.
Mores: More serious norms with moral significance.
Taboos: Prohibitions against behaviors that are considered offensive or forbidden by the group.
Laws: Formal rules with penalties enforced by legal authority.
Characteristics of Etiquette
Principles of Behavior:
Etiquette is guided by principles such as respect for others, consideration of their needs and rights, and honesty in dealings.
Practical Manners:
Etiquette includes specific rules for polite conduct, such as:
Communication: Making eye contact, not interrupting, and maintaining a positive tone.
Punctuality: Showing up on time for appointments and meetings.
Politeness: Using phrases like “please” and “thank you”.
Personal Presentation: Maintaining personal hygiene and dressing appropriately for the occasion.
Consideration for Others: Holding doors, giving people their personal space, and offering assistance.
Social Harmony:
Good manners facilitate smoother social interactions, build confidence, and promote a sense of predictability and order within society.
Conventions:
Etiquette dictates specific conventions, such as handshaking as a greeting or maintaining table manners at meals.
How AI Is Changing Social Norms:
Changes in Communication and Relationships
Human-Machine Interaction:
Interacting with AI-powered virtual assistants like Siri and Alexa is becoming commonplace. This is shifting our communication norms, as we now expect machines to understand us and get frustrated when they don’t.
Online vs. In-Person Connections:
AI-driven social media platforms are altering relationship dynamics, sometimes prioritizing online interactions and potentially reducing the emphasis on in-person connections.
Authenticity and Empathy:
While AI can facilitate communication, there’s a risk of decreased empathy and a potential loss of authenticity in interactions, with AI tools acting as supplements rather than substitutes for genuine human engagement.
Transformation of Work and Self-Presentation
Remote Work:
The rise of AI is a significant factor in the growth of remote work and virtual offices, which is redefining traditional workplace relationships and challenging the norm of working exclusively in a physical office.
Digital Self and AR Filters:
AI tools, particularly augmented reality (AR) filters on social media, allow users to alter their appearance. This can blur the lines between their online and offline selves, influencing how they present themselves and potentially creating pressure to conform to idealized digital images.
Shaping Social Etiquette
Politeness and Etiquette:
Children growing up with AI-powered devices may develop new understandings of politeness and social etiquette, potentially applying or withholding certain behaviors based on the perceived “status” of the AI interlocutor.
Norm Development:
The widespread adoption of AI tools could lead to new social conventions, such as norms of politeness and expectation for AI to perform certain tasks.
Potential for Harmful Social Norms
Misinformation and Harassment:
AI can be used to spread misinformation and amplify harmful content, including misogynistic views. Social media platforms that profit from engagement can inadvertently incentivize such harmful content, which can normalize abuse and discrimination.
Digital Divide:
AI could also exacerbate existing inequalities, with groups like non-native English speakers using AI to overcome language barriers and challenge traditional norms.
AI Etiquette Principles (Emerging Social Norms)
Disclose AI Assistance
Be transparent when content or communication is AI-generated.
Respect Digital Privacy
Avoid training AI on private content without consent.
Don’t Use AI to Deceive
Deepfakes, fake reviews, or impersonations violate trust.
Human Oversight Matters
Don’t delegate sensitive or emotional decisions entirely to AI.
Avoid Emotional Exploitation
Don’t manipulate users by pretending AI is more “alive” than it is.
Stay Curious and Compassionate
As norms shift, approach change with empathy and a willingness to learn.
Conclusion
AI is reshaping social norms by changing how we communicate, work, and present ourselves online. It’s normalizing interactions with machines, leading to expectations of instant understanding from technology. AI also facilitates remote work and online relationships, shifting our understanding of traditional workplace and social structures. Furthermore, AI-powered tools, like augmented reality filters, blur the lines between reality and digital fabrication, influencing our perception of self and fostering pressure to conform to certain online appearances.