What is affective technotouch (and why does it matter)?

Amelia DeFalco; Luna Dolezal

doi:10.1080/17458927.2023.2167420

What is affective technotouch (and why does it matter)?

Senses Soc. 2023 Feb 14;18(2):85-91. doi: 10.1080/17458927.2023.2167420. eCollection 2023.

Authors

Amelia DeFalco¹, Luna Dolezal²

Affiliations

¹ School of English, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK.
² Wellcome Centre for Cultures and Environments of Health, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK.

Abstract

This Editors' Introduction defines the theme of 'affective technotouch' as referring to multidimensional embodied encounters with technologies which can trigger emotional and affective responses, while also being concerned with social, political, cultural and ethical dimensions of technological touch. With reference to neuroscience and developmental studies, we outline how touch is foundational in human experience. We then discuss contemporary technologies, such as haptic gadgets and care/companion robots, which illustrate the complexities of affective technotouch. Finally, we offer critical outlines of the six contributing articles to this Special Issue on Affective Technotouch.

Keywords: Touch; affect; health; robots; technology.

Grants and funding

This research was funded in part by the Wellcome Trust [214963/B/18/Z] and [214963/Z/18/Z]. For the purpose of Open Access, the authors have applied a CC BY public copyright licence to any Author Accepted Manuscript version arising from this submission.