Technology to Combat Loneliness

Nearly one in five people in Germany sometimes feels lonely. Loneliness is also common among young people: it primarily affects tech-savvy young people who spend a lot of time on their smartphones or computers and have few “real” interpersonal contacts. On top of that, people are increasingly living, working, and loving long-distance. Messaging apps, video calls, and social media are then the only ways to stay in touch with friends, family, and coworkers. How can a sense of closeness be created even from a distance and through interactive technologies? Researchers at the University of Siegen, together with colleagues from other universities, investigated this question in the “VEREINT” research project. The result is a set of models showing how technology can be designed to strengthen relationships.

“On the one hand, there are an incredible number of technical possibilities and exciting approaches for how technology can connect people. On the other hand, loneliness is on the rise in Western societies. This shows that not every technology or every good idea actually works for people. Creating genuine emotional connection is a complex process that depends on many factors. We took a closer look at this in the project,” says Christiane Wenhart, a psychologist and the project leader at the University of Siegen.

Experts from the fields of psychology, design, computer science, and ethics from a total of five different universities worked closely together on the VEREINT project. The project was coordinated by the Siegen Chair of Business Information Systems/Ubiquitous Design, headed by Prof. Dr. Marc Hassenzahl. Together, the researchers investigated: What exactly does connectedness mean? How can technologies foster connectedness? Do people accept and use these technologies in the long term?

“Often, we don’t need another channel or even more contact to feel connected to one another—rather, it’s the small but meaningful gestures or everyday moments that create emotional connection,” explains Christiane Wenhart. For example, a shared coffee break across a distance—technically made possible by interconnected coasters: When one partner places their warm coffee cup on their coaster, a small light turns on in another city, triggered by a temperature sensor and transmitted via Wi-Fi. No ping, no message—just a silent signal: “I’m taking a break right now—maybe you are, too?”

Creating the framework and scientific foundations for the development of such connection technologies was a key goal of VEREINT. Among other things, this resulted in an open database of concepts and prototypes on the topic of “closeness across distance.” The researchers also developed design strategies to foster connectedness and identified a central design principle: connectedness and closeness arise only when people feel they are acting of their own free will.

In ten different application projects linked to VEREINT, concrete prototypes and demonstrators for connection technologies were created—developed by smaller consortia comprising universities and industry partners. These projects targeted various groups, such as couples, families, and groups of friends. The VEREINT collaborative project supported the development of these various applications. At the conclusion of the project, the resulting prototypes were presented at a trade show: ranging from interconnected coffee cup coasters to an interactive augmented reality game and an “intercom” system that allows children to communicate with their grandparents and have them read stories aloud.

The VEREINT project also placed a special emphasis on citizen science and science communication. With the website “näheüberdistanz.de,” the researchers created a permanent resource for citizens. A booklet was also produced: It brings together simple rituals, everyday ideas, and concrete suggestions that can help create moments of connection despite the distance. All twelve ideas have already been tested and are presented in a way that makes it as easy as possible for citizens to try them out.