An Interaction Theory Account of (Mediated) Social Touch

Journal Article (2022)
Author(s)

Gijs Huisman (TU Delft - Human Technology Relations)

Research Group
Human Technology Relations
Copyright
© 2022 G. Huisman
DOI related publication
https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2022.830193
More Info
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Publication Year
2022
Language
English
Copyright
© 2022 G. Huisman
Research Group
Human Technology Relations
Volume number
13
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Abstract

Research on mediated social touch (MST) has, either implicitly or explicitly, built on theoretical assumptions regarding social interactions that align with “theory theory” or “simulation theory” of social cognition. However, these approaches struggle to explain MST interactions that occur outside of a laboratory setting. I briefly discuss these approaches and will argue in favor of an alternative, “interaction theory” approach to the study of MST. I make three suggestions for future research to focus on.