User Experience of Camera Phones in Social Contexts

Abstract

This chapter reports on a qualitative study into people’s use of camera phones for social interaction in co-present settings. The study examined people’s behaviour and positive experiences (e.g., fun, enjoyment, or excitement) when camera phones were used in different spaces (public and private). It was found that camera phones influence social practices. Three distinct practices were observed: sharing a moment now, sharing a moment later, and using photos to initiate social interaction with strangers. The knowledge obtained through the study will offer a conceptual contribution that deepens our understanding of how this emerging and evolving technology is coming to be accommodated into the leisure-related practices of its users.

User Experience of Camera Phones in Social Contexts

“…Other public spaces like pubs, restaurants, clubs, places of entertainment and leisure provide a different social context for camera phone activities, which is in line with our previous research reported elsewhere (Stelmaszewska et al, 2005(Stelmaszewska et al, , 2006. The data illustrates that people more often engage themselves in social interaction using camera phones during gatherings with friends and family, when going out with friends or during trips or excursions with friends (see Figures 1&2).…”

The Roles of Time, Place, Value and Relationships in Collocated Photo Sharing with Camera Phones

“…Other public spaces like pubs, restaurants, clubs, places of entertainment and leisure provided a different social context for sharing activities, which is in line with our previous research [23,24]. The data illustrates that people more often engage themselves in social interaction using camera phones during gatherings or parties with friends and family, when going out, or during excursions with friends.…”

“…The study presented here is an extension of our earlier work [23,24], which identified social uses and practices of camera phones users occurring in co-located settings. Three distinct practices were observed including 'sharing a moment now', 'sharing a moment later', and using photos to initiate social interaction with strangers.…”

“…The common practice is to share them 'on the spot' (immediately after taking pictures) or share later during social gatherings [24]. It was claimed by [10] that the majority of photos are not sent immediately via MMS but rather shared off the handheld screen when people are copresent.…”

“…Photo sharing is a social and collaborative activity. However, people behave differently when sharing a photograph album in the comfort of their home or sitting in the restaurant waiting to be served [12,23,24].…”