Through the Looking Glass (Self): The Impact of Wearable Technology on Perceptions of Face-to-Face Interaction

Nicholas Bowman, Jamie Banks, David Westerman

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

9 Scopus citations

Abstract

Advancements in wearable technology have allowed for extradyadic social cues to be inserted directly (albeit conspicuously) into face-to-face interactions. The current study simulated a fictitious “Looking Glass” program that (a) autodetects (via facial recognition) one’s partner and (b) displays that person’s last 12 social media posts on a pair of Google Glass. In a randomized case/control experiment, nonwearers were more likely to perceive Glass wearers as physically attractive and socioemotionally close, while feeling lower self-esteem and having higher mental and physical demand with the conversation. Open-ended data suggested Glass wearers to be less attentive to the conversation, and Glass-present conversations were less on topic. These data, while preliminary and based on a small sample of users, hold implications for future application and research on cyborgic face-to-face interactions.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)332-340
Number of pages9
JournalCommunication Research Reports
Volume33
Issue number4
DOIs
StatePublished - Oct 1 2016
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Expectancy Violations
  • Google Glass
  • Interpersonal Attractiveness
  • Social Cues
  • Wearable Technology

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Communication

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