Historically Informed HCI: Reflecting on Contemporary Technology through Anachronistic Fiction

Abstract

As computing technology comes to dominate every aspect of social and political life, HCI must take greater account of History. The article considers four different historical periods impacted by division and denunciation: the European Witch Hunts, the Soviet Purges, the McCarthy Era, and the Chinese Cultural Revolution. Historians have identified patterns common to such periods including: the unity of accusation and action; condemnation as a show of virtue, and defense of the accused as collusion with enemies. These patterns are mapped to findings from social media research such as: impulsive shares are easy to make but difficult to retract; angry posts travel fastest and furthest; likes and retweets express group identity and solidarity. Anachronistic memes, tweets and selfies explore what previous eras might have looked like if contemporary technology had existed in the past. It is argued that such anachronistic fiction may be a useful method for exploring the potential impact of particular design choices.