Socially Intelligent Computing

The internet was built for data transfer, yet we have long been trying to use it as a substitute for face-to-face interaction – with catastrophic results. Online business and social networks have been plagued by flaming (unregulated emotional outbursts), major misunderstandings, lack of cohesion, poor decision making, and loss of functionality. This is because emotional connection is vital for effective communication. Yet the channels for sending and receiving emotion are absent from the basic framework of virtual exchanges. In this dialogue, renowned internet theorist Clay Shirky describes how online groups function best, how the internet can be utilized to improve our society, and how social intelligence is changing the face of group interaction online.