BUS News
Can AI Think Like Us? HKBU School of Business Explores the Psychology of Artificial Intelligence
21 Mar, 2025
From self-driving cars to intelligent chatbots, Artificial Intelligence (AI) is rapidly permeating every aspect of human life. But do we really understand the “mind” behind the machine? Can artificial intelligence truly think and feel? That was the central question explored at the HKBU School of Business’s biannual Business Power Lunch on 21st March 2025. The event, focusing on the burgeoning field of AI psychology and its implications for the future of business, drew HKBU scholars, business leaders, senior corporate executives, entrepreneurs, and researchers, including many alumni from the School, igniting a lively intellectual discourse on the complex interplay between humans and artificial intelligence.
Prof. Han ZHANG, Dean of the School of Business, welcomed guests with a toast to new insights and stronger partnerships, setting the stage for an afternoon of thought-provoking discussion. “In a world changing faster than ever,” Prof. ZHANG remarked, “understanding the psychological dimensions of AI is particularly relevant.”
As attendees enjoyed a convivial lunch, Prof. Xu HUANG, Associate Dean (Research & Impact), treated them to a compelling presentation titled “Psychology of AI”. He tackled the intriguing question of whether AI can truly possess a sense of agency or self, exploring the often-experienced illusion of human-like thought and reaction when interacting with AI chatbots. Prof. HUANG noted that while large language models can mimic human conversation, the existence of a genuine AI self remains a mystery.
He also shared insights from his team’s cutting-edge research, which observes interactions between AI agents to understand the “relational humanness” of artificial intelligence. The research has profound implications for business applications, offering a glimpse into the future of AI integration in various industries.
A lively Q&A session, moderated by Prof. Kimmy CHAN, Department of Management, Marketing and Information Systems, followed the presentation, allowing guests to engage directly with experts and delve deeper into the complexities of AI psychology.
The Business Power Lunch continues to be a valuable platform for connecting academia and industry, sharing research insights, and exploring new possibilities. This installment’s focus on the psychology of AI proved timely and relevant, leaving attendees with much to consider regarding the future of artificial intelligence and its impact on the business world.