
Credibility Matters When Computers
1. Instruct or advise users
2. Report measurements
3. Provide information and analysis
4. Report on work performed
5. Report about their own state
6. Run simulations
7. Render virtual environments
If a computing technology operating in one of these seven contexts is not
perceived as credible, it likely will not be persuasive. Suppose a computer sys-
tem reports measurements, such as air quality in a “take the bus” initiative or
body fat percentage in a weight control system. If the measurements are credi-
ble, the system will be more likely to influence. If they are not credible, they’re
not likely to persuade people