Humor in task-oriented computer-mediated communication and human-computer interaction

METHOD Two experiments examined the effects of humor in taskoriented computer-mediated communication (CMC) and human-computer interaction (HCI). Compared to controlgroup participants, participants who had received jokes: rated the “person” or computer they worked with as more likable and competent; reported greater cooperation; joked back more often; responded in a more sociable (i.e., polite and friendly) manner; and smiled and laughed more. Compared to CMC participants, however, HCI participants were less sociable and smiled and laughed less. Theoretical and design implications are discussed.