Misuse and abuse of interactive technologies

[abstract]

The goal of this workshop is to address the darker side of HCI by examining how computers sometimes bring about the expression of negative emotions. In particular, we are interested in the phenomenon of human beings abusing computers. Such behavior can take many forms, ranging from the verbal abuse of conversational agents to physical attacks on the hardware. In some cases, particularly in the case of embodied conversational agents, there are questions about how the machine should respond to verbal assaults.

This workshop is also interested in understanding the psychological underpinnings of negative behavior involving computers. In this regard, we are interested in exploring how HCI factors influence human-to-human abuse in computer-mediated communication. The overarching objective of this workshop is to sketch a research agenda on the topic of the misuse and abuse of interactive technologies that will lead to design solutions capable of protecting users and restraining disinhibited behaviors.

Keywords: Abuse, machine violence, mediated verbal abuse, user aggression, disinhibition