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May 29, 2004
Deception is why chatrooms are so popular
This news story just in . . . "A schoolboy posed as a female British secret service spy in an internet chatroom to persuade a friend to try to murder him." This is how the Independent starts their story about a boy who used technology to manipulate others. But is this an example of persuasive technology? No. For two reasons: First, this scheme involved blatant deception. In captology we don't study how computers can deceive people. Next, a chatroom is simply a channel for communication -- like a fancy phone. Software didn't do any of the psychological work. This story is notable only because the target behavior is bizzare. But the basic dynamic is commonplace. Here's what I say: Chatrooms thrive because lots of people enjoy manipulating others through deception. They find it thrilling. Thanks to chat technology, people can indulge in this deviant behavior without facing serious consequences (um, usually). If deception weren't an option, the market for chatrooms would wither. Other coverage:Story by the Guardian
Story by the Sydney Morning Herald
Posted by at May 29, 2004 10:52 AM
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