The moment a system appears to understand, we expect it to be accountable. The moment it speaks socially, we expect reciprocity. The moment it acts with agency, we expect responsibility. These expectations are perceptual and automatic. When they are violated, trust collapses. This “cognitive uncanny valley” reflects a mismatch between perceived agency and actual responsibility. The response is emotional, often anger rather than confusion. Social engagement raises the stakes; once an agent invites emotional investment, a misstep feels like betrayal. That fall can be steep and difficult to reverse.