Assignment 1 ​

Hunch ​

I would like to see how I can apply generative AI into the BeReal app without taking away too much of the authenticity aspect of BeReal.

Interview Questions/Plan ​

Why I chose Wilson: ​

In my engaging conversation with Wilson, a devoted PhD candidate hailing from Indonesia and immersed in advanced biology studies at Harvard, a striking fusion of academic excellence and perceptive insights into social media unfolded. Wilson's groundbreaking research on blood stem cells in zebrafish promises to revolutionize therapies for blood-related diseases, showcasing his profound contributions to the field. Yet, what truly intrigued me was Wilson's active involvement in promoting events for ABSK, a Christian club at MIT, and his rich Indonesian cultural background, which sparked a keen interest in understanding his perspectives on social media's role in shaping contemporary society.

Why I chose Hen: ​

Hen, born in 1987, serves as a bridge between the analog and digital eras, providing a unique vantage point on the evolution of technology and its impact on our lives. His extensive tenure as a quantitative analyst lends depth to his insights, offering a finely tuned understanding of data-driven industries and the financial landscape. Compounded by his familial ties overseas, Hen's reliance on social media to maintain vital connections underscores its globalizing influence and its role in sustaining relationships across geographical divides. I chose to interview Hen because I’m aiming to uncover the nuanced ways in which individuals from an older demographic navigate the digital terrain for personal and professional purposes.

Interview Questions/Followups: ​

• Can you tell me a little bit about yourself like you occupation and hobbies?
• How do you feel about the role of social media in our society today?
• What platforms do you use the most, and why?
• Are there any positive experiences or connections you've made through social media?
• On the other hand, how do you handle negative experiences or interactions on social media?
• Based on these experiences, do you think social media has had a positive or negative impact on your mental well-being? Why?
• Are there any trends or challenges on social media that you find interesting or concerning?
• How do you balance the benefits and drawbacks of using social media in your life?
• Do you think social media has changed the way we communicate and interact with one another? How so?
• Are there any privacy concerns or precautions you take when using social media?
• How do you think social media has influenced your perception of yourself and others?
• What are your thoughts on Bereal, if you've come across it? How do you think it contributes to authentic communication in a digital landscape?
• In your experience, have you personally used Bereal or similar platforms to engage in more genuine conversations? How did it influence your online interactions?
• Have you considered incorporating generative AI in your content creation or posts? If so, what aspects of it intrigued you the most, and what reservations do you have?
• Have you witnessed instances of people leveraging generative AI on social media to enhance their content or interactions? What are your observations and thoughts on this phenomenon?
• Following up about the privacy concerns,how do you foresee potential ethical dilemmas arising from the use of AI to mimic voices or create content that may be misleading or misrepresentative?
• Do you believe that the use of AI-generated content has the potential to erode trust in online interactions, and if so, what safeguards do you think should be in place?

Interview Report ​

Report for Wilson: ​

During our discussion, Wilson's discerning observations transcended the confines of his academic realm. While grounded in deep biological expertise, he astutely noted the prevalent "pressure to post positive things and create a false image of what is true" on social media. This incisive observation underscored the enduring challenge of authenticity in the digital age. Wilson's preference for the unfiltered, raw nature of Instagram stories stood as a bold departure from the highly curated content prevalent on other platforms, revealing a desire for genuine self-expression. When I followed up and asked him what other platforms he was thinking of, he brought up Instagram ‘posts,’ which I thought was interesting because stories are also often curated and uploaded together with posts to garner more attention. Nevertheless, this paradox between curated content and authentic portrayal encapsulates the intricate dance individuals perform in navigating their online identities. The conversation prompted a reflection on the very essence of authenticity in a landscape where projection and reality often blur. Moreover, Wilson's forward-thinking stance on generative AI technology introduced a crucial dimension to our discussion. Advocating both for technological advancement and the implementation of ethical regulations, he astutely remarked, "It is so much easier now to fool people because of AI, so we need regulations to monitor and limit AI use." This statement unveils a prescient concern about the potential for AI-driven deception and underscores the need for vigilance in safeguarding authentic online interactions. In light of Wilson's insightful reflections, it becomes evident that the quest for authenticity in the digital sphere remains a paramount concern. This rich analysis of Wilson's perspectives offers a fertile ground for innovative design thinking to enhance social media platforms. Solutions that prioritize genuine self-expression and foster meaningful connections could mark a significant stride toward addressing this pressing issue, ultimately contributing to a more authentic online experience for all users.

Report for Hen: ​

Hen's assessment of social media proved to be remarkably nuanced, revealing an adept understanding of its dual nature. While he appreciates its capacity for maintaining connections with his friends, stating, "I see what they do in their jobs, their families, and when they are on vacation," he is equally quick to discern the significant pitfalls, cautioning against "disinformation and fake news." This discerning perspective sheds light on the complexities of traversing social media's impact, urging the implementation of more rigorous information verification processes.

In discussing his platform preferences, Hen's inclination towards Facebook reveals an affinity for substantive interactions. He notes, "On Facebook, we can share articles and things without pictures," indicating a preference for a more extensive discourse. Additionally, his diverse interest in influencers, spanning restaurant critics to math problem solvers, demonstrates a multifaceted approach to social media, balancing personal connections with content consumption. Hen's balanced approach to handling negative interactions on social media emerges as a practical and considered response. He emphasizes the importance of setting boundaries, sharing, "If they are part of my family and we’ve gotten into an argument, instead of blocking them, which is rude, I just mute them." This reveals Hen's commitment to preserving a positive online experience, even when confronted with differing opinions. His thoughtfulness underscores a tactful approach to navigating the digital sphere, providing a glimpse into the ways in which individuals craft their online interactions. When delving into the potential impact of generative AI technology, Hen offered astute insights into its implications for content creation and interaction in the digital space. He expressed concern about the potential loss of unique voices, cautioning against a standardized digital landscape dominated by AI-generated content. This perspective highlights the need for design thinking that prioritizes preserving individuality and authenticity in the face of advancing technology. Moreover, Hen's personal use of generative AI in drafting cover letters and business emails provides a practical illustration of how this technology can be harnessed for efficiency. This suggests a potential avenue for designers to explore interfaces that seamlessly integrate generative AI, augmenting users' abilities to create high-quality content while maintaining their personal touch. While Hen hadn't directly observed significant instances of generative AI in use on social media, his awareness of the technology's potential impact speaks to the need for thoughtful design considerations. Designers should consider user-friendly implementations of generative AI that empower individuals to enhance their content and interactions, while also providing mechanisms to verify the authenticity of generated content.

Design Opportunities: ​

1. Authenticity Amplification through Multimodal Expression

   • Opportunity: The interviews underscored the desire for authentic representation on social media. There's an opportunity to introduce features that facilitate genuine expression through a combination of text, images, audio, and video, allowing users to convey a more nuanced and comprehensive view of their lives.
   • Why It Matters: This would address concerns about the curation of online personas and allow users to present themselves in a way that feels more true to life. It acknowledges the multidimensionality of individuals and fosters a more authentic digital environment.

2. Ethical AI-Enabled Fact-Checking Integration

   • Opportunity: Disinformation and fake news emerged as significant concerns for interviewees. An opportunity lies in integrating AI-driven fact-checking tools within the platform to help users verify information before sharing it, and to raise awareness about potential misinformation.
   • Why It Matters: This feature could play a crucial role in curbing the spread of false information, contributing to a more reliable and trustworthy digital space. It aligns with the growing need for ethical considerations in technology use.

3. Contextualized Interaction Boundaries with Family and Close Contacts

   • Opportunity: Interviewees highlighted the challenge of navigating interactions with close contacts, especially in cases of differing opinions. There's potential for creating features that allow users to set contextual boundaries for specific groups or individuals, providing more control over their online interactions.
   • Why It Matters: This opportunity addresses the complexities of maintaining relationships in the digital realm. By offering tailored interaction settings, users can navigate social media in a way that aligns with their comfort levels and values, ultimately fostering healthier online connections.

These opportunities, grounded in the insights from the interviews, aim to enhance the user experience on BeReal by addressing key concerns and providing innovative solutions that go beyond conventional features. They have the potential to not only differentiate the platform but also contribute to a more authentic, trustworthy, and adaptable social media experience.