The Application of Forgiveness in Social System Design

My comments on other blogs:


Authors:
Asimina Vasalou - University of Bath
Jens Riegelsberger - Google, Ltd.
Adam Joinson - University of Bath

Summary:

This paper talked about the ability to add forgiveness to online systems such as eBay and Amazon to make user ratings not necessarily the most important thing.  It is common for users to be angry for an unknown reason and to take it out on others.  In this way, these online systems fall short.  Sometimes an angry user will give a seller a bad rating to discourage others from buying from them only later to regret the decision.  The process of rectifying the situation is currently nonexistent.  In order to account for this, the systems should employ a system that allows the "victim" to change their mind in situations like these or for unjust bad ratings to be nullified.

Personal Reflection:
While this paper was interesting and had a good point, I believe this technology already exists in many of the systems referenced such as eBay and Amazon.  I think it is a good idea and more companies should use the system of forgiveness, I just think the paper did a poor job of finding sources to back up their research