Today, we’re talking about the Automation Bias.
Automation bias refers to the tendency to trust and favour suggestions from automated systems, algorithms, or technology over one’s own judgement or critical thinking. While technology can be an incredible learning tool, over-reliance on it can lead to mistakes and inhibit personal growth. When users unquestioningly follow automated guidance, they risk neglecting important aspects of learning that require hands-on experience, independent thinking, or human expertise.
Consider the example of a dancer who uses an app to learn new routines. The app provides step-by-step guidance and mirrors every move for the dancer to follow along. Over time, the dancer becomes so dependent on the app that they struggle to rehearse the routines independently. Without the app's cues, they falter—lacking the muscle memory, rhythm, and coordination necessary to perform the sequence smoothly. Although the app can teach the moves, it cannot replace consistent practice, internalisation, and refinement. This illustrates automation bias—the dancer relies too heavily on the automated tool and neglects the essential process of mastering the routine without assistance.
In the dance world, this bias can appear in other forms. For instance, choreographers may use automated music-beat analysers to align routines but miss the nuances of musical interpretation that come only from deep listening. Similarly, some dancers may rely on motion-capture feedback from technology for improvement, rather than trusting their teachers' or peers' observations. Automated systems may offer valuable data, but they often miss subtleties such as artistry, posture corrections, or emotional expression—elements that are best developed through human feedback and hands-on guidance.
Another key aspect is recognising the importance of fixing mistakes, which often requires a teacher or coach. Technology can provide guidance on "what" to do, but it struggles to correct subtle, real-time errors that a trained instructor can spot instantly. A coach can interpret not just the mechanics but the intention behind a movement, helping dancers fine-tune their performance beyond what an algorithm can detect. It's one thing to learn choreography from an app; it's another to refine it under the watchful eye of someone with deep expertise.
To sum it up:
Automation is a powerful tool, but it must be used in balance with human insight. While apps, online classes, and algorithms provide convenient access to dance knowledge, true mastery comes from independent practice, critical reflection, and feedback from experienced instructors. The combination of technology and human mentorship ensures that dancers not only learn the correct techniques but also unlearn and correct bad habits. As dancers, we need to recognise that technology can supplement our learning—but it cannot replace the nuanced, personalised guidance required to excel. The goal should be to use technology as an aid, not a crutch, ensuring that progress is sustained even without automated support.
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