On the Effect of Human-Computer Interfaces on Language Expression

TL;DR

This study investigates how different human-computer interfaces influence language expression, revealing that input device layout and user traits affect letter choice and writing behavior.

Contribution

It is the first to analyze how interface design and user characteristics jointly impact language expression in a large corpus.

Findings

Writers unconsciously prefer different letters based on input device layout.

User traits like hand laterality and injuries influence language choices.

Interface and user interaction modify language expression patterns.

Abstract

Language expression is known to be dependent on attributes intrinsic to the author. To date, however, little attention has been devoted to the effect of interfaces used to articulate language on its expression. Here we study a large corpus of text written using different input devices and show that writers unconsciously prefer different letters depending on the interplay between their individual traits (e.g., hand laterality and injuries) and the layout of keyboards. Our results show, for the first time, how the interplay between technology and its users modifies language expression.