Phatic Technologies: Sustaining Sociability through Ubiquitous Computing
Frank Vetere, Steve Howard, Martin Gibbs · 2005
Recent research in ubiquitous computing has mostly concerned systems that support personal and informational issues. This workshop paper introduces the concept of phatic technologies – systems that establish and maintain the possibility of social interactions. These systems are not concerned with capturing and communicating information as such, but with building relationships. We present details of two field-based studies looking at strong-tie relationships, and explore the consequences for emerging ubiquitous and pervasive technologies.