Sensibeler

Sensibeler is a neologism used in discussions of human–computer interaction and AI ethics to describe a proposed property of intelligent systems: their calibrated sensitivity to human states, contexts, and preferences in order to tailor responses while respecting autonomy and privacy. It is not a formal technical standard but a conceptual design objective discussed in speculative and practical writings.

Origin and etymology: The term combines elements of sensitivity, sensing, and the agentive suffix -eler, suggesting a device or agent that senses and adapts. It first appeared in online design and ethics discussions in the early 2020s, where authors contrasted sensibeler with rigid, one-size-fits-all interfaces.

Definition and scope: A sensibeler is imagined as a system that can adjust perceptual thresholds, attention allocation, and interaction style in real time based on user signals. This includes determining what to sense, how to interpret signals, and when to intervene, with explicit user consent and configurable privacy controls. It is treated as a design principle or evaluative metric, rather than a single algorithm.

Applications: Potential uses include adaptive user interfaces, assistive technologies, and mental-health or educational apps. Benefits cited include improved accessibility and user engagement, while risks include overreach, manipulation, or erosion of privacy if sensitivity is misused.

Criticism and discussion: Critics argue that the term is underspecified and may obscure accountability. Debates focus on measurement, governance, and ensuring that sensibeler aligns with user autonomy and transparent explanation of adaptive behavior.

See also: adaptive interface, affective computing, privacy by design, human-centric AI.