Palco: Printable avatar system that realizes loose communication between people

Social network service (SNS) offers a convenient way for users to share their daily experiences and significant life events with family, friends, etc. However, the notion of SNS fatigue posits that use of social media can trigger anxiety and loneliness. In particular, the tighter and stronger social bonds that SNS seems to support increase such fatigue. Thus, this study proposes a method for providing SNS users with a sense of security by facilitating loose communication via a tangible avatar as opposed to a typical SNS interaction characterized by interactivity with real individuals.