A Summary of “The Intimate Mac

In “The Intimate Machine,” Neil Frude introduces the idea of using a computer as a companion instead of a tool. Throughout the story, he explains that the computer makers need to begin building computers that are “softened” and “humanized.” Frude believes that by giving the computer “a personality of its own,” it will be able to fulfill some of our human wants and needs. The first part of the discussion, Frude assumes that “humanized” machines …

…you about politics, sports, or even your personal relationships. This uncanny ability would maybe even let the machine have its own romantic relationship with another machine. When machines are capable of becoming our companions, we will have much to gain. People may not like the idea that a machine could be “humanized” in the near future. Regardless of what these individuals think, the fact is that a “humanized” machine is foreseeable in the near future.