Social interface
Encyclopedia
Social interface is a concept from social science (particularly, sociology of technology). It can be approached from a theoretical or a practical perspective.
As a concept of social interface theory, social interface is defined by Long (1989, 2001). In 2001 his revised definition was:
In other words, interfaces are the areas in which social friction can be experienced and. Where diffusion of new technology is leading to structural discontinuities (which can be both positive or negative), the interface is where they will occur. Long continues to say that:
Identifying these interfaces and analyzing their effects shows how they are changed by everyday life, and how in return everyday life is changed by the interfaces.
As practical concept of social interface design, social interface is seen in the studies of human-computer interaction (in particular, its computer interface aspect). The basic thesis is that where a computer interface is more akin to another human, it can facilitate correct responses from users during human-to-computer interaction. Software that can provide such humanizing cues often does it by creating interface with human-like quality (such as giving recognizable gender
to a oftware agent]). Studies are often concerned with how should such agents (like the Microsoft Agent
) be designed to make them more appealing (is having facial expression
s efficient, should the agent be anthropomorphic, and so on).
As a concept of social interface theory, social interface is defined by Long (1989, 2001). In 2001 his revised definition was:
In other words, interfaces are the areas in which social friction can be experienced and. Where diffusion of new technology is leading to structural discontinuities (which can be both positive or negative), the interface is where they will occur. Long continues to say that:
Identifying these interfaces and analyzing their effects shows how they are changed by everyday life, and how in return everyday life is changed by the interfaces.
As practical concept of social interface design, social interface is seen in the studies of human-computer interaction (in particular, its computer interface aspect). The basic thesis is that where a computer interface is more akin to another human, it can facilitate correct responses from users during human-to-computer interaction. Software that can provide such humanizing cues often does it by creating interface with human-like quality (such as giving recognizable gender
Gender
Gender is a range of characteristics used to distinguish between males and females, particularly in the cases of men and women and the masculine and feminine attributes assigned to them. Depending on the context, the discriminating characteristics vary from sex to social role to gender identity...
to a oftware agent]). Studies are often concerned with how should such agents (like the Microsoft Agent
Microsoft Agent
Microsoft Agent is a technology developed by Microsoft which employs animated characters, text-to-speech engines, and speech recognition software to enhance interaction with computer users. Thus it is an example of an embodied agent. It comes preinstalled as part of Microsoft Windows 2000 through...
) be designed to make them more appealing (is having facial expression
Facial expression
A facial expression one or more motions or positions of the muscles in the skin. These movements convey the emotional state of the individual to observers. Facial expressions are a form of nonverbal communication. They are a primary means of conveying social information among humans, but also occur...
s efficient, should the agent be anthropomorphic, and so on).