Can a computer make you feel better? (Image: Jupiter/Comstock/Getty)
How can we evaluate complex human interactions clearly and precisely? By recruiting silicon-based research assistants, says psychologist Clifford Nass
“THAT’S ridiculous!” exclaimed the software engineer, busy working on improving a spellchecker. I was visiting her workplace as a consultant on the strength of my reputation for making computers easier, more effective and pleasant to use. Because I had come to feel that users needed a kinder spellchecker, something closer to an encouraging teacher than a disparaging critic, I had suggested the system could not only correct mistakes but praise users when they spelled difficult words correctly.…
