ABSTRACT
Burgeoning technology has rendered task operators dependent on automated, sensor-driven warning systems. Sensor thresholds are often placed conservatively, to ensure that operators are consistently notified about threats. Yet, such a strategy typically results in frequent false warnings and associated operator mistrust of the warning system (the cry-wolf effect). This chapter discusses the implications of false warnings and warning mistrust across a number of task domains and society at large. Existing theories that attempt to explain warning mistrust are reviewed, as is the reflection of mistrust within individual-and teamed-operator behavior. A number of potential interventions are presented to counter warning mistrust. The chapter concludes with a specific call for additional research concerning the theoretical construct of warning mistrust and the design of warning systems.
