Zelia Gomes Da Costa Lai
Current Organizations / Institutes
The organizations/institutes from the scholar's latest article
Research Subjects
Research Interests
Zelia Gomes Da Costa Lai has a total of 9 co-authors. Here are the top co-authors by number of shared publications:
- Alexis Hiniker
Information School, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
2 shared publications - Yixin Chen
Information School, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
2 shared publications - Yue Fu
Information School, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
2 shared publications - Bin Han
University of Washington
1 shared publication - Jacob O. Wobbrock
The Information School, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
1 shared publication - Katharina Reinecke
Paul G. Allen School of Computer Science and Engineering, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
1 shared publication
Latest Publications
- Open Access
- 13 April 2026
- Published by Association for Computing Machinery (ACM)
- p. 1-17
Decoupling of Usefulness and Novelty: Evaluating the Impact of Generative AI on Design Outputs and Novice Designers' Creative Thinking
- 13 April 2026
- Published by Association for Computing Machinery (ACM)
- p. 1-17
Open AccessDecoupling of Usefulness and Novelty: Evaluating the Impact of Generative AI on Design Outputs and Novice Designers' Creative Thinking
- Open Access
- 16 October 2025
- Published by Association for Computing Machinery (ACM) in Proceedings of the ACM on Human-Computer Interaction
- Vol. 9 (7) , 1-31
Should ChatGPT Write Your Breakup Text? Exploring the Role of AI in Relationship Dissolution
Relationships are essential to our happiness and wellbeing, yet their dissolution-the final stage of a relationship's lifecycle-is among the most stressful events individuals can experience, often leading to profound and lasting impacts. With the breakup process increasingly facilitated by technology, such as computer-mediated communication, and the likely future influence of generative AI tools, we conducted a semi-structured interview study with 21 participants. We aim to understand: 1) the current role of technology in the breakup process, 2) the needs and support individuals seek during this time, and 3) how GenAI might address or undermine these needs. Our findings show that people have distinct needs at various stages of breakups. While currently technology plays an important role, it falls short in supporting users' unmet needs. Participants envision that GenAI could: 1) aid in prompting self-reflection, providing neutral second opinions, and assisting with planning leading up to a breakup; 2) serve as a communication mediator, supporting wording and tone to facilitate emotional expression during breakup conversations; and 3) support personal growth and offer companionship after a breakup. However, our findings also reveal participants' various concerns about involving GenAI in this process. Based on our results, we discuss the potential opportunities, harms, and design implications of GenAI tools in facilitating people's relationship dissolution.
- 16 October 2025
- Published by Association for Computing Machinery (ACM) in Proceedings of the ACM on Human-Computer Interaction
- Vol. 9 (7) , 1-31
Open AccessShould ChatGPT Write Your Breakup Text? Exploring the Role of AI in Relationship Dissolution
Relationships are essential to our happiness and wellbeing, yet their dissolution-the final stage of a relationship's lifecycle-is among the most stressful events individuals can experience, often leading to profound and lasting impacts. With the breakup process increasingly facilitated by technology, such as computer-mediated communication, and the likely future influence of generative AI tools, we conducted a semi-structured interview study with 21 participants. We aim to understand: 1) the current role of technology in the breakup process, 2) the needs and support individuals seek during this time, and 3) how GenAI might address or undermine these needs. Our findings show that people have distinct needs at various stages of breakups. While currently technology plays an important role, it falls short in supporting users' unmet needs. Participants envision that GenAI could: 1) aid in prompting self-reflection, providing neutral second opinions, and assisting with planning leading up to a breakup; 2) serve as a communication mediator, supporting wording and tone to facilitate emotional expression during breakup conversations; and 3) support personal growth and offer companionship after a breakup. However, our findings also reveal participants' various concerns about involving GenAI in this process. Based on our results, we discuss the potential opportunities, harms, and design implications of GenAI tools in facilitating people's relationship dissolution.