Tool vs Partner Perception
When technology directly communicates with people, it’s perceived as an independent “social actor” rather than a tool.
HCI research consistently shows this shift in perception. A system that generates outputs on command feels like a tool. A system that offers feedback, asks questions, and responds to the human’s work feels like a collaborator.
The perception matters for trust calibration, engagement, and the collaborative experience. Users approach tools instrumentally, extracting value. They approach partners relationally, building shared understanding.
Co-creative AI that communicates like a partner improves user engagement and collaborative experience, even when the underlying generation capabilities are identical.
Related: 01-atom—ai-communication-definition, 01-atom—communication-contribution-distinction, 01-atom—feedback-loop-preference