Robot drinks stir man vs machine debate

Social creatures

These opinions from industry players mirror the findings by scientists that humans are social creatures who have an innate desire to connect with others. But could customers one day decide that they simply want to interact with their friends instead of with baristas or bartenders? Wouldn't this spell the death of these professions?

Lucky Huang, a mixologist at the newly opened Alcocase bar on Changle Road in Shanghai, offered an intriguing insight into the human mind that suggests why such professionals will never become irrelevant－humans like to confide in strangers.

"I've realized that the bar counter is more than just a piece of furniture upon which you pour and serve cocktails. It is also a special, safe space for some customers," she said.

"You'd be surprised at how some people would rather speak with a stranger, like a bartender, than with their closest pals when it comes to certain matters."

Scientific studies have proved this to be the case. In a survey conducted by Harvard sociologist Mario Luis Small, 45 percent of participants were found to have confided in people they did not consider to be close friends or family members. Instead, many of these confidants were people such as hairdressers, bartenders and gym trainers.

Small explained in the Havard Magazine that this is because some people might want to avoid judgment from a close friend about a contentious issue, worry the other party, or have his or her problems shared with others through the grapevine.