# Towards A Framework for Levels of Anthropomorphic Deception in Robots and AI

arXiv: https://arxiv.org/abs/2604.15418 · HTML: https://mlsanity.com/paper/2604.15418/

## Key facts

- Cited by 1 papers in the map (data through 14 Oct 2026).
- First posted on arXiv 16 Apr 2026.

## Built on by (most cited first, 1 of 1)

- [Why did My Robot Just Change Personality? Prompting Guidelines for a Grounded Robot Persona in LLM-Based HRI](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2608.26182/) (2026)

## Abstract (arXiv)

This paper presents a preliminary draft of a framework around the use of anthropomorphic deception, defined here as misleading users towards humanlike affordances in the design of autonomous systems. The goal is to promote reflection among HCI and HRI researchers, as well as industry practitioners, to think about levels of anthropomorphic design that are: a) functionally necessary, b) socially appropriate, and c) ethically permissible for their use case. By reviewing the relevant literature on deception in HCI and HRI, we propose a framework with four levels of anthropomorphic deception. These levels are defined and distinguished by three factors: humanlikeness, agency, and selfhood. Example use cases at each level illustrate considerations around their functional, social, and ethical permissibility. We then present how this framework is applicable to previous work on persuasive robots We hope to promote a balanced view on anthropomorphic deception by design that should be neither na"ive (e.g., as a default) nor exploitive (e.g., for economic benefit).