![[2602.19463] PuppetChat: Fostering Intimate Communication through Bidirectional Actions and Micronarratives](https://arxiv.org/static/browse/0.3.4/images/arxiv-logo-fb.png){kind=logo}
[2602.19463] PuppetChat: Fostering Intimate Communication through Bidirectional Actions and Micronarratives
Summary
PuppetChat is a messaging prototype designed to enhance intimate communication by fostering bidirectional actions and creating personalized micronarratives, as revealed through a 10-day field study.
Why It Matters
In an age where digital communication often lacks emotional depth, PuppetChat addresses the shortcomings of current messaging tools by promoting more meaningful interactions. This research highlights the potential for technology to enhance personal relationships through innovative design.
Key Takeaways
- PuppetChat enhances social presence and emotional connection in messaging.
- The prototype encourages responsive actions through a reciprocity-aware recommender.
- Personalized micronarratives ground interactions in shared histories.
- Field study results indicate improved self-disclosure among users.
- The design addresses the limitations of traditional messaging platforms.
Computer Science > Human-Computer Interaction arXiv:2602.19463 (cs) [Submitted on 23 Feb 2026] Title:PuppetChat: Fostering Intimate Communication through Bidirectional Actions and Micronarratives Authors:Emma Jiren Wang, Siying Hu, Zhicong Lu View a PDF of the paper titled PuppetChat: Fostering Intimate Communication through Bidirectional Actions and Micronarratives, by Emma Jiren Wang and 2 other authors View PDF HTML (experimental) Abstract:As a primary channel for sustaining modern intimate relationships, instant messaging facilitates frequent connection across distances. However, today's tools often dilute care; they favor single tap reactions and vague emojis that do not support two way action responses, do not preserve the feeling that the exchange keeps going without breaking, and are weakly tied to who we are and what we share. To address this challenge, we present PuppetChat, a dyadic messaging prototype that restores this expressive depth through embodied interaction. PuppetChat uses a reciprocity aware recommender to encourage responsive actions and generates personalized micronarratives from user stories to ground interactions in personal history. Our 10-day field study with 11 dyads of close partners or friends revealed that this approach enhanced social presence, supported more expressive self disclosure, and sustained continuity and shared memories. Comments: Subjects: Human-Computer Interaction (cs.HC); Artificial Intelligence (cs.AI); Computation and Langu...