Anonymous NSF Review

Title: Interactivity Matters : Developing a Model and 
Prototype Indicator for the Human-Computer Mixed Sysem 
the Internet.


"What is the intellectual merit of the proposed activity?"


It would intellectually very interesting to review and probe
the ideas of Norbert Wiener and JCR Licklider in light of 
all that has happened in the several decades since they
did their major thinking. Wiener was a central figure in
laying out the promise of technology, especially technology
that learned from past behavior. He thought deeply about the
dangers that machines posed, and about the human weaknesses
in the use of machines that should set red flags for society.
Licklider, by contrast, emphasized the positive potential 
for human-computer symbiosis in very sweeping terms. He
became an enthusiastic, ebullient grandfather of the 
ARPANEt/Internet, inspiring a generation of engineers
and programmers vital to its success. Bringing the ideas
of these two great men back to life today would be a very
worthwhile undertaking.

"What are the broader impacts of the proposed activity?"

The Internet is entering a new stage in development, where
the growing problems and misdirections in its use will be
addressed. Referring back to the ideas of Wiener and Licklider
could be part of the general critique that is required. It
would be a very appropriate and timely way to light a beacon
for this next crucial step.