Socializing the Human-Computer Environment

In this text, the authors call attention to the social consequences of human-computer interaction and begin the process of developing a theoretical framework that recognizes the interdisciplinary nature of the interactions that occur between people and machines. Theories found in social psychology, sociology, and anthropology are used to illustrate how these disciplines can facilitate our understanding of the social processes, underlying human-computer interactions and how this understanding benefits the design, development and implementation of computer systems. This volume represents a blend of theory, research and application. The theory chapters offer alternative perspectives on issues that should be considered by system designers and managers. Each of the chapters follow a similar format. Variables commonly used by a given discipline are examined first, followed by a discussion of the theoretical perspectives relevant to that social science. Each major section concludes with a series of questions researchers can consider when designing new projects and managers can use when implementing approaches to studying the impacts computers have on people.