The systematic study of how technology and human relationships shape each other
How digital tools reshape relationships between humans—from intimacy patterns to communication norms to social expectations.
How humans form emotional bonds with AI, platforms, and digital entities—treating technology as relationship partners.
How desires for connection, intimacy, and belonging drive what we build—the reverse causality in the feedback loop.
Relational Computing sits at the intersection of Human-Computer Interaction, relationship psychology, and computational social science. It examines the bidirectional relationship between technology and human connection—how our tools shape the way we relate to each other, how we form bonds with technology itself, and how our fundamental need for connection drives technological innovation.
This framework moves beyond studying technology as a neutral mediator to recognizing it as an active participant in relational ecosystems. As AI companions become more sophisticated, as memory technologies reshape how we preserve intimacy, and as algorithmic curation influences who we connect with, understanding these dynamics becomes critical.
The field draws on attachment theory, social network analysis, affective computing, and platform studies to create a comprehensive understanding of technology-mediated intimacy in the 21st century.
HCI: How humans interact with computers (usability, efficiency, experience)
RC: How computers change human relationships + how relationships drive tech evolution
Key difference: HCI optimizes the interface; RC studies societal transformation
Relationship: RC uses HCI methods but asks different questions
CSCW: Technology enabling workplace collaboration
RC: Technology shaping intimacy, belonging, loneliness across ALL contexts
Key difference: CSCW = instrumental relationships; RC = affective relationships
Relationship: CSCW is a subset focused on work; RC covers entire relational spectrum
Social Computing: Building platforms that enable social connection
RC: Studying what those platforms DO to connection (bidirectional causality)
Key difference: Social computing builds tools; RC studies transformation + feedback loops
Relationship: RC analyzes what social computing creates
Affective Computing: Machines detecting and expressing emotion
RC: How emotional bonds form THROUGH or WITH technology
Key difference: Affective = tech understanding emotion; RC = tech reshaping intimacy
Relationship: Affective computing provides tools; RC studies relational outcomes
Traditional: Offline human relationships, tech as minor variable
RC: Technology as fundamental causal mechanism in modern connection
Key difference: Traditional treats tech as context; RC treats it as core driver
Relationship: RC applies relationship theory to tech-mediated contexts
Media Psych: How media consumption affects individuals
RC: How platforms reshape relationships BETWEEN people + WITH technology
Key difference: Media psych = consumption effects; RC = relational transformation
Relationship: Overlaps on parasocial relationships, but RC is broader