Reimagining third places: the role of GenAI robots in shaping interaction and trust in a polarized society

2026

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AI-generated summary

1) This paper argues that Generative AI robots in public "third places" are not neutral tools but symbolic actors whose design and behavior significantly impact interaction and trust in a polarized society.
2) * Explores how GenAI robots shape sociability, social support, experiential engagement, restoration, and commercial integration in third places.
* Introduces the "personalization-polarization paradox," showing how personalization can fragment shared spaces and amplify societal divides.
* Proposes a shift from optimization to inclusion, equity, and participatory governance in designing AI for civic-facing service environments.
3) GenAI robots, third places, polarization, trust, civic infrastructure

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