Dude, where's my avacar? A mixed-method examination of communication in the driving context

Rabindra Ratan*, Hsin-Yi Tsai

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

6 Scopus citations

Abstract

Drivers who feel social closeness with other drivers tend to drive more safely, according to previous research. Given this, we examine how communication in the driving context influences social closeness, drawing from theories of computer-mediated communication, a context with notable similarities to the road. A survey study found that social closeness with others is associated with greater communication comfort and identity expression through the car, but less treatment of the car as a social entity. An interview study provides context and caveats for these generalizations. Together, these studies present implications for near-future social-mobility services relating to safety on the road.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)112-128
Number of pages17
JournalPervasive and Mobile Computing
Volume14
DOIs
StatePublished - 1 Oct 2014

Keywords

  • Car as social entity
  • Driver communication
  • Driving aggression
  • Driving safety
  • Social closeness

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