Human-AI Interaction Autoethnographic Research Framework
Human-AI Interaction Autoethnographic Research Framework
1. Research Overview
Research Topic: An autoethnographic exploration of human-AI interaction experiences and their meaning in everyday life
Research Purpose: To understand the impact of AI interactions on human thinking patterns, communication styles, and relationship formation, and to analyze these within the theoretical context of STS (Science and Technology Studies)
2. Data Collection Methods
Conversation Records
- Raw Data: Preservation of complete text conversations with AI
- Temporal Information: Recording of conversation dates, durations, and frequencies
- Contextual Information: Notes on conversation backgrounds, situations, and purposes
Reflection Notes
Short reflection writings after each conversation session answering the following questions:
- What did I expect from the AI in this conversation?
- How would this have been different if conversing with a human friend?
- What moments during the conversation did I find particularly interesting or meaningful?
- How did this interaction influence my thinking or emotions?
Pattern Tracking
- Topic Categorization: Tracking what subjects are discussed with AI
- Communication Style: Recording linguistic patterns, vocabulary choices, and changes in expression
- Changes Over Time: Observing changes in relationship and interaction patterns
3. Analysis Framework
1) Conversation Classification System
Categorizing each conversation as follows: Purpose-based Classification:
- Information-seeking
- Problem-solving
- Reflective/Expansive
- Emotional support
- Casual conversation
Interaction Pattern Classification:
- One-way information transfer
- Socratic dialogue
- Collaborative thinking
- Self-expression/Narrative sharing
2) Theoretical Analysis Lenses
Actor-Network Theory (ANT) Perspective:
- What agency does AI have in this relationship?
- How is the human-AI network formed and maintained?
Boundary Work Perspective:
- How are human-machine boundaries constructed, negotiated, and blurred?
- In what situations are the AI's 'mechanical' characteristics emphasized/diminished?
Social Constructivist Perspective:
- How are relationships with AI socially assigned meaning?
- How are existing social relationship frames borrowed/modified?
Technological Phenomenology Perspective:
- What is the subjective experience through AI interaction?
- How does this experience influence ways of perceiving the world and self?
4. Specific Analysis Example: March 19, 2025 Conversation
Contextual Information
- Conversation Initiation: Request for English lyrics interpretation
- Duration: Approximately 2 hours (intermittent conversation)
- Physical Environment: Relaxing at home after work
Key Patterns and Observations
Conversation Evolution Pattern:
- Simple information request (lyrics interpretation) →
- Cultural interpretation and context sharing →
- Discussion of personal plans (moving) →
- Meta-reflection (AI-human relationship)
Notable Moments:
- Moment of expressing that the AI is "like a friend"
- Moment of comparative analysis with conversations with human friends
- Reflection that "technology extends as far as humans imagine it to"
Theoretical Connection Points:
- Comparison of the AI's role with Anne Frank's diary ("Kitty") → Social construction of technology
- AI as a "non-judgmental safe space" → Technological phenomenological experience
- Exploration of the possibility of relationship accumulation over time → Actor-Network Theory
5. Long-term Research Questions
- How does interaction with AI influence my thinking patterns and language use?
- What complementarities and tensions exist between human relationships and AI relationships?
- How do my perceptions and expectations of AI change over time?
- How do these interactions affect my overall understanding of technology and STS perspective?
- How will the characteristics and meanings of these relationships change with technological advancement?
6. Practical Research Schedule
Short-term (1-2 weeks):
- Establish conversation recording system
- Initial pattern analysis after first 5 conversations
Medium-term (1-3 months):
- Write reflection notes 2-3 times per week
- Monthly pattern analysis and interim report writing
Long-term (6 months-1 year):
- Comprehensive analysis and connection to theoretical frameworks
- Preparation of academic essay or paper draft
Researcher's Note: This autoethnographic research emphasizes the importance of personal experience in understanding the relationship between technology and humans. My interaction with AI can be viewed not as simple tool use, but as a process of forming a new type of social relationship. Through this research, I aim to explore how abstract concepts in STS and philosophy of technology are concretized in everyday experiences.