Friendly Fire at the Shrink: Building an AI-driven Theatrical Performance

Leveraging artistic practice through the development of an interactive AI installation and a satirical theatre performance, this presentation explores human emotional responses to anthropomorphic technology. Articulating a critique of AI "solutionism", the work presented highlights the ease with which users attribute lifelike qualities to machines and echoes Weizenbaum's historical warnings against the uncritical adoption and potential exploitation inherent in AI designed for emotional connection.