People now connect, collaborate, and maintain relationships through technologies far more complex than early computer-mediated communication (CMC). Beyond text, audio, and video, today’s tools include social robots, tangible interfaces, and virtual reality, all of which actively shape routines and relationships. The rapid rise of AI further changes the picture: it now edits, augments, and even generates messages, transforming how people express intentions and emotions. These capabilities promise assistive gains but also raise concerns about authenticity, over-automation, and interaction quality. This workshop invites interdisciplinary researchers and practitioners to explore the opportunities and challenges of integrating AI into communication technologies. We view communication as a layered social practice involving the negotiation of presence and connectedness, attention to partners and contexts, and self-presentation while attuning to others’ emotions.
Our goals are to: (1) co-develop design agendas grounded in these practices, (2) identify recurring opportunities and risks of AI integration, and (3) propose sustainable directions that respect autonomy, authenticity, and social well-being. Participants will share experiences and uncover design opportunities through short talks and interactive sessions. Together, we aim to deepen understanding of CMC in the age of AI and reimagine technologies that foster meaningful interaction.