The Functions of Computer-Mediated Touch at a Distance: An Interactionist Approach

Robin Héron, Stéphane Safin, Michael Baker, Françoise Détienne

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contributionpeer-review

Abstract

Touch is essential in our relationships and social interactions. Our study aims at understanding the functions of touch as they are co-constructed in computer-mediated interaction. We observed three couples interacting during one hour at distance with a simple touch device. On the basis of an interactionist approach, we identified correspondences between touch occurrences and (a) the structure of the dialogue and (b) the emotional tonalities of the interaction. Our results highlight three types of functions of touch: interaction management (e.g., turn taking), emotional communication (e.g., emphasis) and behavioural touches (e.g., mimicry).

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationProceedings of the 21st Congress of the International Ergonomics Association, IEA 2021
Subtitle of host publicationMethods and Approaches
EditorsNancy L. Black, W. Patrick Neumann, Ian Noy
PublisherSpringer Science and Business Media Deutschland GmbH
Pages45-53
Number of pages9
ISBN (Print)9783030746131
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Jan 2022
Event21st Congress of the International Ergonomics Association, IEA 2021 - Virtual, Online
Duration: 13 Jun 202118 Jun 2021

Publication series

NameLecture Notes in Networks and Systems
Volume223 LNNS
ISSN (Print)2367-3370
ISSN (Electronic)2367-3389

Conference

Conference21st Congress of the International Ergonomics Association, IEA 2021
CityVirtual, Online
Period13/06/2118/06/21

Keywords

  • Affective communication
  • Emotion
  • Remote communication
  • Social touch

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