The Media Lab’s European outpost does work in “human connectedness,” which starts with the premise “Humans have a biological need for contact with other humans,” and intends “partly to develop technologies and experiences that allow us to build, maintain, and enhance the kinds of relationships we are used to having in new ways.” My initial reaction to some of their work was that it seems an awful lot like stalking to have a flower by your computer that opens up when your girlfriend is on-line. But maybe it’s only stalking if the person it opens for isn’t your girlfriend. But still, a deep interest in what she’s doing at every moment seems like it could easily cross a line.

The other device highlighted in the article, created by BTexact, reminds me of a sales “tickle file,” to ensure that a salescreature doesn’t let contacts get stale.

Ultimately, I guess I’m just leery of technological responses to a biological need.