Focuses on how computers can be used to initiate social responses
from their users, while offering the views of Chris Dryer, psychologist
and computer scientist at the International Business Machines (IBM)
research laboratory, Almaden, California. Why some persons prefer to be
in the company of machines as opposed to humans; Role of software
applications in initiating social responses.
By
PT Staff, published on July 01, 1998
RELATIONSHIPS
Snicker if you must at the computer nerd who prefers his machine to
human company. We all relate socially to our computers--and that's not
such a bad thing at all.
"We bring a lifetime of social experience and thousands of years of
evolution to our interactions with machines," says Chris Dryer, Ph.D., a
psychologist and computer scientist at the IBM research lab in Almaden,
California. "Whenever possible, we automatically and subconsciously bring
in what we know about dealing with people to help us use
technology."
Software applications are particularly likely to prompt social
reactions from users. Unfortunately, many software designers don't take
this into account, says Dryer, "and the usual result is not the absence
of personality but a personality that's vague at best and frustratingly
confusing at worst."
What would the ideal computer personality look like? Dryer and his
colleagues have found that our ideas about what computers should be are
complicated and contradictory --just as in other intimate
relationships.
o The same, but different. When computers and their users share the
same characteristics-for example, dominance or submissiveness--the
computer is perceived as more competent and more likable, the interaction
is more satisfying and more beneficial, and users are happier with their
own performance.
On the other hand, computer personalities that supply something the
user lacks are also liked. When a task requires one person to take
charge, for example, a dominant person may prefer to work with a more
submissive computer partner.
o Positive, but not too positive. Upbeat, optimistic computer
personalities are liked, although Pollyannas are judged annoying.
o Consistent, but changing. People like their computer's
personality to be expressed consistently across time and situations, but
too much continuity is boring. Change, when clear and meaningful, can add
interest.
What makes a good computer personality, in other words, is not so
different from what makes a good friend. Says Dryer, "The more natural
and social in their behaviors these machines are, the more successful
they will be."--A.M.P
PHOTO (COLOR): Your computer savvy may depend on its programmed
personality.
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