Does computing anger have social elements? A comparison with driving anger

Abstract

Computer-related anger is compared with driving-related anger in the context of considering whether the concept of ethopoeia can help in explaining computer-related anger and to test whether appraisal theory applies to human–computer interactions to the same extent as it does to interactions between humans. Using retrospective self-report questionnaires, a pool of 140 UK students and members of the public provided data on recent incidents in which they experienced anger while using a computer and while driving. The motivational relevance of incidents and need to communicate anger to computers are shown to be independently predictive of computer anger intensity. Also, as a group, all three appraisal components (motivational relevance, motivational incongruence and other-accountability) that are taken to be central in the generation of anger in the Smith and Lazarus variant of appraisal theory are shown to be more predictive of anger intensity in computing situations than in driving situations. Findings such as computers and other drivers being held equally accountable for anger-inducing incidents, and computer-accountability and other-driver-accountability being equally correlated with anger intensity across the two situations are argued to be consistent with the idea that ethopoeia may play a role in many instances of computer-related anger.

Keywords:

• computer anger
• driving anger
• appraisal theory
• communication

Acknowledgements

The authors thank Lisa Jones, Sarah Palmer and Nazia Rehman for collecting data for this study.

Notes

1. Although Waytz et al. (2010) recently used the term anthropomorphism, in their study, participants were asked to respond in terms of whether, e.g. their computer ‘appears to have a mind of its own’ and ‘appears to behave as if it has its own beliefs and desires’ (p. 414). Therefore, such work is not inconsistent with Nass and Moon's assertion.