Young children and the use of video chat: implications for QoE research

Young children represent an important, yet under-explored user segment in QoE research. This is partly due to the limitations associated with traditional QoE assessment methods. As a first step towards addressing this non-traditional user segment, this paper shares selected findings from a mixed-method study on the use of video chat and potential influence of technical influence factors on children's QoE. An exploratory survey with parents (N=87) was combined with home observations (N=7) and focus groups with children (N=21). The results provide further insights into how and why video chat is used with young children, and initial insights into how children react to technical impairments, e.g., by displaying emotional or behavioral indications of poor QoE. Further, we reflect on a number of methodological challenges that need to be addressed in future QoE-studies with children.