TY - JOUR
T1 - Unintended effects of algorithmic transparency
T2 - The mere prospect of an explanation can foster the illusion of understanding how an algorithm works
AU - Ostinelli, Massimiliano
AU - Bonezzi, Andrea
AU - Lisjak, Monika
N1 - Publisher Copyright:
© 2024 Society for Consumer Psychology.
PY - 2024
Y1 - 2024
N2 - This research shows that merely believing that one can access an explanation of how an algorithm works can foster an illusory sense of understanding the algorithm, even when people do not actually access and read the explanation. This effect occurs because the belief that one can access an explanation provides a feeling of empowerment that fosters an illusory sense of understanding. In turn, this illusory sense of understanding can yield unfounded reliance on algorithmic determinations. We further show that this effect is moderated by the target of an explanation and by the perceived utility of an explanation in enabling consumers to use an algorithm more effectively. From a theoretical standpoint, we offer a novel psychological account of illusory understanding based on empowerment. From a practical standpoint, we point to an unintended effect of algorithmic transparency: merely knowing that one can access an explanation for how an algorithm works may lull consumers into a false sense of understanding that yields unfounded reliance on algorithmic recommendations.
AB - This research shows that merely believing that one can access an explanation of how an algorithm works can foster an illusory sense of understanding the algorithm, even when people do not actually access and read the explanation. This effect occurs because the belief that one can access an explanation provides a feeling of empowerment that fosters an illusory sense of understanding. In turn, this illusory sense of understanding can yield unfounded reliance on algorithmic determinations. We further show that this effect is moderated by the target of an explanation and by the perceived utility of an explanation in enabling consumers to use an algorithm more effectively. From a theoretical standpoint, we offer a novel psychological account of illusory understanding based on empowerment. From a practical standpoint, we point to an unintended effect of algorithmic transparency: merely knowing that one can access an explanation for how an algorithm works may lull consumers into a false sense of understanding that yields unfounded reliance on algorithmic recommendations.
KW - algorithmic transparency
KW - algorithms
KW - illusion of understanding
KW - psychology of explanations
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U2 - 10.1002/jcpy.1416
DO - 10.1002/jcpy.1416
M3 - Article
AN - SCOPUS:85188415844
SN - 1057-7408
JO - Journal of Consumer Psychology
JF - Journal of Consumer Psychology
ER -