Hello computer: Towards a research agenda for conceptualising “presence” in human-computer engagement

Michael Seymour, Ella Hafermalz

Research output: Chapter in Book / Report / Conference proceedingConference contributionAcademicpeer-review

Abstract

Technological developments are bringing interactive computer agents, such as Apple’s Siri, into our everyday lives and routines. These interactive agents are designed to be the focus of our interactions – we can feel “present” with them. Yet current theories of “presence” in IS do not account for the question of what it means to be present with technology in an experiential sense. In response we draw on existential philosophy in order to generate a research agenda for conceptualising presence in the context of what we term human-computer engagement. We suggest that research from this new perspective requires focusing on the situated interaction rather than an a-priori assessment of the entities involved. We conclude by considering the ethical questions that emerge when technology is experienced as being an independent agent with which one can be present.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationProceedings of the 27th Australasian Conference on Information Systems, ACIS 2016
PublisherUniversity of Wollongong, Faculty of Business
ISBN (Electronic)9781741282672
Publication statusPublished - 1 Jan 2016
Externally publishedYes
Event27th Australasian Conference on Information Systems, ACIS 2016 - Wollongong, Australia
Duration: 5 Dec 20167 Dec 2016

Publication series

NameProceedings of the 27th Australasian Conference on Information Systems, ACIS 2016

Conference

Conference27th Australasian Conference on Information Systems, ACIS 2016
Country/TerritoryAustralia
CityWollongong
Period5/12/167/12/16

Keywords

  • Co-presence
  • Conversational avatars
  • Existentialist philosophy
  • Interactive agents
  • IS theory
  • Presence

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