Touch Me Wear: Getting Physical with Social Networks

This project explores possibilities of associationbetween existingsocial network information and real-worldphysical interaction. Thesepossibilities are explored through theintegration of wearablestechnology with mobile social networktechnology. We use the term“mobile social networking” torefer to those advanced interactionswhich integrate complexreal world actions with online social networkinformation. Thisproject focuses particularly on the physical aspectsof mobilesocial networks as basic as human touch. Touch Me wE@r isableto associate social network identities with real worldphysicalcontact and in turn advertise that information online or useitreal-time within the physical world. As a proof of concept,the TouchMe wE@r application was implemented. Touch MewE@r changes the color ofone’s shirt depending on who theyhave hugged. Also the details of whowas hugged and when areadvertised on the user’s social networkprofile. One can imaginemany other interesting uses for thistechnology. The possibilitiesand implications of this technology arediscussed.