# Classifying Epistemic Relationships in Human-AI Interaction: An Exploratory Approach

arXiv: https://arxiv.org/abs/2508.03673 · HTML: https://mlsanity.com/paper/2508.03673/

## Key facts

- Cited by 2 papers in the map (data through 14 Oct 2026).
- Builds on 2 of its 26 references that are in the map.
- First posted on arXiv 2 Aug 2025.

## Builds on (most cited first, 2 of 2)

- [Evaluating Human-AI Collaboration: A Review and Methodological Framework](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2407.19098/) (2024)
- [A Systematic Review on Fostering Appropriate Trust in Human-AI Interaction](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2311.06305/) (2023)

## Built on by (most cited first, 2 of 2)

- [Evaluating Epistemic Guardrails in AI Reading Assistants: A Behavioral Audit of a Minimal Prototype](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2604.27275/) (2026)
- [How AI Models Manage Epistemic Authority: A Taxonomy and Comparative Analysis of Responses to User Disagreement](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2609.07662/) (2026)

## Abstract (arXiv)

As AI systems become integral to knowledge-intensive work, questions arise not only about their functionality but also their epistemic roles in human-AI interaction. While HCI research has proposed various AI role typologies, it often overlooks how AI reshapes users' roles as knowledge contributors. This study examines how users form epistemic relationships with AI-how they assess, trust, and collaborate with it in research and teaching contexts. Based on 31 interviews with academics across disciplines, we developed a five-part codebook and identified five relationship types: Instrumental Reliance, Contingent Delegation, Co-agency Collaboration, Authority Displacement, and Epistemic Abstention. These reflect variations in trust, assessment modes, tasks, and human epistemic status. Our findings show that epistemic roles are dynamic and context-dependent. We argue for shifting beyond static metaphors of AI toward a more nuanced framework that captures how humans and AI co-construct knowledge, enriching HCI's understanding of the relational and normative dimensions of AI use.