Social Networks as Health Feedback Displays

  • Authors:
  • Margaret E. Morris

  • Affiliations:
  • Intel

  • Venue:
  • IEEE Internet Computing
  • Year:
  • 2005

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Abstract

Social networks have thus far served primarily as analytic tools for social scientists.Leveraging pervasive computing, this new research transforms social-network models into behavioralfeedback displays.These ambient displays, which reflect data on remote and face-to-face interactiongathered by wireless sensor networks, were intended to raise awareness of social connectedness as adynamic and controllable aspect of well-being.An interdisciplinary health technology research groupat Intel recently developed and tested prototypes in the homes of older adults and their caregivers. This article reviews the psychological rationale for the project and highlights some reactions of participants to the displays.