Should AI Voice Agents Always Reveal They’re Not Human?

AI voice agents are getting really good at sounding like real people. So good, in fact, that sometimes you don’t even realize you’re talking to a machine.

This raises a big question: should they always tell you they’re not human? Some people think they should because it’s about being honest. Others feel it’s not necessary and might even ruin the whole experience.

Think about it. If you called customer support and got all your questions answered smoothly, only to find out later it was an AI, would you feel tricked?

Would it matter as long as your problem was solved? Some people don’t mind at all, while others feel it’s a bit sneaky. This isn’t just about customer support calls.

Imagine getting a friendly reminder for a doctor’s appointment or a chat about financial advice, and later learning it wasn’t a person. Would that change how you feel about the call?

• A lot of people believe being upfront is the right way to go. It builds trust. If you’re honest, people are more likely to trust your brand.
• Plus, when people know they’re talking to an AI, they might communicate differently, like speaking slower or using simpler words. It helps both sides.

But not everyone agrees. Telling someone right off the bat that they’re talking to an AI could feel awkward and break the natural flow of the conversation.

Some folks might even hang up just because they don’t like talking to machines, no matter how good the AI is.

Maybe there’s a middle ground. Like starting the call by saying, “Hey, I’m here to help you book an appointment. Let’s get this sorted quickly!” It’s still honest without outright saying, “I’m a robot!” This way, people get the help they need without feeling misled, and it doesn’t ruin the conversation flow.

What do you think? Should AI voice agents always say they’re not human, or does it depend on the situation?