Fight for flight: the narratives of human versus machine following two aviation tragedies

• Main Authors: Prahl, Andrew, Leung, Rio Kin Ho, Chua, Alicia Ning Shan
• Other Authors: Wee Kim Wee School of Communication and Information
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: 2023
• Subjects: Social sciences::Communication; Automation; Human-Machine Communication
• Online Access: https://hdl.handle.net/10356/168921
• Institution: Nanyang Technological University

This study provides insight into the relationship between human and machine in the professional aviation community following the 737 MAX accidents. Content analysis was conducted on a discussion forum for professional pilots to identify the major topics emerging in discussion of the accidents. A subsequent narrative analysis reveals dominant arguments of human versus machine as zero-sum, surrender to machines, and an epidemic of mistrust. Results are discussed in the context of current issues in human-machine communication, and we discuss what other quickly automating industries can learn from aviation's experience.