People using smartphones are more likely to make rational and unemotional decisions compared to computer users, when presented with a moral dilemma on their device, according to a new study. Researchers from City, University of London in the UK found that PC users were more likely to favour action based on intuition and following established rules.
The research suggests that moral judgements depend on the digital context in which a dilemma is presented and could have significant implications for how we interact with computers.
The study suggests that even under conditions of time pressure, some digital contexts – such as using a smartphone – could trigger utilitarian decision- making. “When people used a smartphone to view classic moral problems, they were more likely to make more unemotional, rational decisions when presented with a highly emotional dilemma,” said Albert Barque-Duran, from City, University of London and lead author of the study.
“This could be due to the increased time pressures often present with smartphones and also the increased psychological distance which can occur when we use such devices compared to PCs,” said Barque-Duran.
