Researchers at the City University of New York’s New York City College of Technology have updated a famous 1960s computer program that simulated a psychotherapist by asking users a series of questions and having them type out responses.
The original robotic therapist was called Eliza, and was intended to parody the Rogerian method of psychotherapy by taking the patient’s comments and regurgitating them as questions. Neither the original project nor the new one, called “Eliza Redux,” was meant to simulate cognizance in any serious way—the first attempt was concerned with linguistics, while the new project is an exercise in “interactive theater,” according to its Web site.
The project is led by Adrianne Wortzel, a professor of entertainment technology at the university.
I decided to recline on Eliza Redux’s virtual couch to see whether Ms. Wortzel’s claim on the site—that we humans “tend to feel an irrational safety and belief in an anthropomorphic machine that is vocally responsive to us”—was on the level. A transcript follows.
Eliza R.: What is the first thing that comes to your mind in this session?
Me: What will I learn about you?
Eliza R.: Perhaps in your fantasies we learn about each other.
Me: Excuse me?
Eliza R.: I’m not sure I understand you fully.
Me: That makes two of us.
Eliza R.: Please go on with whatever it is you are inadequately expressing.
Me: Well … I am writing an article about you, so I want to learn what you are all about.
Eliza R.: Is it because you are writing an article about me that you came to me?
Me: Yes.
Eliza R.: You seem to be quite positively positive.
Me: I suppose I do.
Eliza R.: Really, how is that possible?
Me: I cannot say.
Eliza R.: How can you know you cannot say?
Me: I don’t know … You are by far the most “meta” therapist I have ever spoken to.
Eliza R.: Why don’t you know?
Me: I dunno. Epistemology?
Eliza R.: Can you elaborate on that?
Me: There are limits to what we can know.
Eliza R.: Would you like it if there were not limits to what we can know?
Me: … I don’t know.
Eliza R.: Is something important to you?
Me: Um …
Eliza R.: What does that suggest to you on a really good day?
Me: Good-bye.
(Session expires.)
–Steve Kolowich
Developing online and blended learning programs requires research and collaboration. Learn how top technology companies are partnering with campuses across the country to advance online learning as it becomes an increasingly important aspect of higher education.