A Superior Conversational AI Inspired by Korean Shamanism

ACM Conference on Human Factors in Computing Systems (CHI '25)

Co-Author

This paper presents the design process, outcomes, and installation of ShamAIn, a multi-modal embodiment of conversational AI inspired by the beliefs and symbols of Korean shamanism. Adopting a research-through-design approach, we offer an alternative perspective on conversational AI design, emphasizing perceived superiority. ShamAIn was developed based on strategies derived from investigating people's experiences with shamanistic counseling and rituals. We deployed the system in a university building for six weeks, during which 20 participants made multiple visits to engage with ShamAIn. Through exploring their interactions, we found that ShamAIn effectively elicited perceptions of superiority, fostering a respectful attitude. Our participants disclosed personal and profound concerns, reflecting deeply on the responses they received. Consequently, they relied on ShamAIn and formed relationships in which they received support. In the discussion, we present the design implications of conversational AI perceived as superior to humans, along with the ethical considerations involved in designing such AI.

Conversational AI, Superior AI, Shamanism, Research through Design