AI agents aren’t ready to replace humans in behavioral research

A new study shows that digital twins don’t respond like the individuals they were modeled after

This image shows a person in glasses with superimposed slightly ghosted versions of them to imply the idea of digital twins.

A new study suggests that behavioral scientists should use digital twins with caution.

Qi Yang/Moment/Getty Images

Replacing human subjects with AI surrogates, or digital twins, is on some social scientists’ wish lists. Human subjects are expensive, tire easily and can suffer psychological distress from some studies.