Relationships and Communication

In the previous sections, the history of computers and their interfaces as well as fundamental interface design principles were outlined. Now, the communication between humans and computers will be further investigated.
Before doing so, however, it is necessary to take a look at the relationships users have with their computers. Without doubt, the relationship between participants in a conversation determines their communication (Saeed 218-219). Asking a friend a favour is certainly different from asking a stranger for the same kind of favour. As a consequence, communication cannot be examined without regard to the relationship of the participants.
Unfortunately, this task is a difficult one, since one of the participants in this relationship is fundamentely different from humans. Apart from what has been said in the previous sections, what is a computer in a social context? Is it possible to have a relationship with a computer?