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Abstract The Computers Are Social Actors (CASA) theory is the most important theoretical contribution that has shaped the field of human–computer interaction.
by cobaltoxide 3y ago
Abstract
The Computers Are Social Actors (CASA) theory is the most important theoretical contribution that has shaped the field of human–computer interaction. The theory states that humans interact with computers as if they are human, and is the cornerstone on which all social human–machine communication (e.g., chatbots, robots, virtual agents) are designed. However, the theory itself dates back to the early 1990s, and, since then, technology and its place in society has evolved and changed drastically. Here we show, via a direct replication of the original study, that participants no longer interact with desktop computers as if they are human. This suggests that the CASA Theory may only work for emergent technology, an important concept that needs to be taken into account when designing and researching human–computer interaction.
- vlovich123 3y agoWas the original paper ever replicated? Cause if not, that’s too strong a conclusion. A simpler explanation could be that the original paper got something wrong and wasn’t replicable.
- weinzierl 3y ago"This suggests that the CASA Theory may only work for emergent technology[..]" I think we can see this unfold in real time with large language model based chatbots like ChatGPT. First they seem almost human and the initial reaction is to treat them like that. Always say "Thank you!" and potentially get angry at them for being wrong. It doesn't take long though, to realize that the bot is a bot and even if it speaks human language it behaves significantly different from a real human. Then the human behavior starts to change as well and the bot is treated differently.
- pixl97 3y agoExcept we see to see behaviors in asking questions to LLMs where we get different/better responses if we ask "please".
- chihuahua 3y agoAnd also, we get better answers from LLMs for solving captchas if we claim that the hard-to-decipher letters were written on our dear grandmother's Christmas ornament. I find this quite amusing.
- l33t7332273 3y agoThis makes sense if you think about chatGPT as a ML model and not as a sentient AI. Its training data would show that asking nicely elicits better answers.
- pixl97 3y agoI mean should I think of my mother as a ML human and not a sentient one? Why does asking nicely work on either?
- l33t7332273 3y agoIf I set up a linux box with the root password “please” I don’t think you would describe that as sentient.
- deleted 3y ago[deleted]
- mock-possum 3y agoWonder whether 1.) technical proficiency and 2.) age of introduction to computer would make a difference Because totally anecdotally, I mean it could have been subconscious, but I never remember treating a computer that way. It’s always been… I dunno, a machine.