Ontological implications

34. The Media Equation

• Media equal real life.
  • People expect new media to follow the natural rules of interpersonal interaction, as though the rules apply in and to media as well.
  • People respond socially and naturally to media even though they believe it is not reasonable
    to do so and though they don't think they themselves do.
    • People can think through this
      and avoid it but when they don't (when tired, distracted, busy, "normal," on autopilot),
      they follow the equation.
  • New media, old brain
  • People like most that which is present, simple,social, natural, easy.

Em Griffin's Guide for Teachers, reviewing The Media Equation (.pdf)

Media X Project (some of what the guys at Stanford are up to now)

Question for Study:

List the implications of these findings for your work designing interactivity? Which features will you most orient toward?

Want to learn more?

Reaves and Nass: The Media Equation