Choice vs. interaction: the case of online Caroline

Abstract

Reader choice among links in hypertext has often been classified as a form of interactiuvity and has sometimes been claimed as empowering the reader. The case of the website Online Caroline, however, shows that it is possible for apparent choice and interaction to serve only to further constrain and dictate the reader's experience. We must be careful to distinguish meaningful from superficial choice when evaluating “interactive fiction” and its potential.