# Anthropomorphism, agency, and ethopoeia - computers as social actors > ## Abstract ## Abstract > Attempts to generate anthropomorphic responses to computers have been based on complex, agent-based interfaces. This study provides experimental evidence that minimal social cues can induce computer-literate individuals to use social rules-praise of others is more valid than praise of self, praise of others is friendlier than pmise of self, and criticism of others is less friendly than criticism of self - to evaluate the performance of computers. We also demonstrate that different voices are treated as distinct agents. https://dl.acm.org/doi/10.1145/259964.260137 ## Notes Even when a computer interface provides only minimal 'social cues,' users tend to anthropomorphize the computer. This can be used to encourage social interaction with computers. The study's significance: - **First**, before Nass, it was assumed that inducing anthropomorphism required fairly elaborate and complex social cues. Nass showed that even minimal cues can induce . - **Second**, before Nass, anthropomorphism was thought to arise from users' ignorance or psychological errors. Nass showed that even computer-literate users (people well aware that a computer has no 'self') engage in . ## See also - [Voices, boxes, and sources of messages: Computers and social actors](https://wiki.g15e.com/pages/Voices,%20boxes,%20and%20sources%20of%20messages%20-%20Computers%20and%20social%20actors.txt)