Phatic Interactions: Being Aware and Feeling Connected

Abstract

Studies in awareness systems tend to focus on the informational aspects of interactions. This emphasis is warranted in systems that aim to support instrumental activities, such as collaboration and coordination (e.g. Begole and Tang, 2007) or messaging (e.g. Cheverst et al., 2007). Such activities usually involve the use of information, sometimes collected by sensors, about location, status and activity. However, when awareness systems have the core aim to maintain human relationships, the benefits may come not just from the sharing of awareness information per se, but more from the simple act of exchange.