Abstract
There is a lack of physical contact in current telecommunications such as text messaging and Internet access. To challenge the limitation and re-embody telecommunication, researchers have attempted to introduce tactile stimulation to media and developed huggable devices. Previous experiments in Japan showed that a huggable communication technology, i.e., Hugvie decreased stress level of its female users. In the present experiment in Denmark, we aim to investigate (i) whether Hugvie can decrease stress cross-culturally, i.e., Japanese vs. Danish participants (ii), investigate whether gender plays a role in this psychological effect (stress reduction) and (iii) if there is a preference of this type of communication technology (Hugvie vs. a regular telephone). Twenty-nine healthy elderly participated (15 female and 14 male, M = 64.52 years, SD = 5.67) in Jutland, Denmark. The participants filled out questionnaires including State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, NEO Five Factor Inventory (NEO-FFI), and Becks Depression Inventory, had a 15 min conversation via phone or Hugvie and were interviewed afterward. They spoke with an unknown person of opposite gender during the conversation; the same two conversation partners were used during the experiment and the Phone and Hugvie groups were equally balanced. There was no baseline difference between the Hugvie and Phone groups on age or anxiety or depression scores. In the Hugvie group, there was a statistically significant reduction on state anxiety after meeting Hugvie (p = 0.013). The change in state anxiety for the Hugvie group was positively correlated with openness (r = 0.532, p = 0.041) as measured by the NEO-FFI. This indicates that openness to experiences may increase the chances of having an anxiety reduction from being with Hugvie. Based on the results, we see that personality may affect the participants’ engagement and benefits from Hugvie. We discuss the implications of the results and further elaborations.
Highlights
IntroductionPeople are engaged in communication through computer screens, tablets, and cell phones to the extent that every day human contact is turning digital
How can interpersonal communication media shape our social connections? People are engaged in communication through computer screens, tablets, and cell phones to the extent that every day human contact is turning digital
In the line of these attempts, we explore the efficacy of telecommunication media that provide physical contacts and that acceptance might differ in different environments and culture
Summary
People are engaged in communication through computer screens, tablets, and cell phones to the extent that every day human contact is turning digital. People express concern that our communication has become increasingly shallow and we forget to spend time in the natural human way, together with other humans. At the same time, such media offer the promise of more opportunity for connection with more people, and others find benefits with new connections and stronger bonds through new communication media (Baym, 2010). In both perspectives, communication media are regarded to change the nature of our interpersonal connections
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