Call for Papers

Text Affects brings together diverse scholarly communities that share a common interest in the creation, use and effects of text. The conference integrates different disciplinary perspectives with the aim of building a unified interdisciplinary research field. Submissions are encouraged to articulate perspectives from literature, linguistics, philosophy, history, informatics and related fields to address questions about intelligence, creativity, and human experience in the digital era, fostering constructive dialogue among various disciplines and highlighting both unique insights and interdisciplinary synergies.

We welcome works at different stages of maturity that will be selected by their novelty and relevance to the Text Affects community. Novelty and relevance will be assessed by the community chairs (senior reviewers). Selected papers will receive a detailed peer review by two experts providing recommendations about improvements and presentation at Text Affects.

Proposals must be submitted through the OpenReview portal (Text Affects 2025 Venue), open from the 31st of March 2025. As for different stages of maturity, we accept contributions from extended abstracts to short or full papers using the conference template, see author instructions. 

The submission deadline is 15 September 2025, but we encourage early submissions as the review will be carried out as soon as the paper is received, and results are notified three weeks after submission.

The topic of this edition is the future of intelligence, a call to reflect on how text affects contribute to the development and expression of human and artificial intelligence. Contributions should follow one of the three suggested pathways and inspirational tracks:

Intelligence (in text affects)

This pathway explores the concept of intelligence—human and artificial—through its narrative, linguistic, and emotional dimensions. It also examines the interplay between humans and machines in text creation and reception, highlighting their collaborative potential and evolving dynamics. It focuses on how texts, both traditional and digital, can be analysed to understand the relationship between creativity, intelligence, and human-technological collaboration.

Literature, Linguistics, and Book History

• Defining intelligence in humans and machines from literary, linguistic, or technological perspectives
• Human-machine interaction and collaboration in text production and reception (historical and synchronic perspectives)
• Linguistic diversity and creativity in machine communication

Sensemaking and Creativity

• Exploring the co-creation of meaning between humans and machines in interpretative processes
• Analysing the impact of linguistic technologies on redefining hermeneutic intelligence
• Bridging computational tools with traditional close reading practices

Aesthetics (in text affects)

This pathway examines the transformation of aesthetics and cultural experiences in the digital age, including new forms of literature, such as interactive digital storytelling, art, like augmented reality installations, and interactive design seen in narrative-driven video games. It focuses on the aesthetics of digitalisation and curatorial practices, exploring how technology shapes human engagement and the ways cultural and artistic works are consumed.

Phenomenology and Digital Aesthetics

• The transition to born-digital texts and non-linear forms of art and literature
• Modelling user engagement as a facet of human experience
• Digital curatorial practices focusing on aesthetics and interactivity

Hypertext, Electronic Literature, and Games

• The role of hypertexts, digital fiction, and narrative-driven games in challenging or expanding our understanding of intelligence and creativity
• Documenting and analysing non-textual digital artefacts (e.g., tech-demoscene products, machinima)
• Exploring interactive design and game mechanics as models of intelligence and creativity

Cultural Heritage

• Associations between art and text and their role in democratising cultural appreciation
• New technologies supporting the integration of paintings, music, and poetry in digital collections
• Curating and preserving interactive and multimedia narratives

Benefits (in text affects)

This pathway addresses the role of media and digital technologies in personal and social wellbeing. It also considers issues related to the preservation and accessibility of digital texts, such as ensuring equitable access and long-term cultural sustainability. It includes case studies on how technologies positively impact the social fabric, alongside reflections on preserving emerging digital knowledge forms for future generations.

Positive Intelligent Media

• The role of media technologies and AI in wellbeing and personal and social growth
• Real-life case studies of digital health and wellbeing applications
• Unexpected negative effects of media technologies on individuals and communities

Digital Publishing, Libraries, and Archives

• Analysis of born-digital texts and emerging digital formats
• Multimodal, accessible, and inclusive approaches to digital literacy
• Archival and preservation strategies for digital-only genres and formats