How Push-To-TalkMakesTalkLessPushy

Title: How Push-To-TalkMakesTalkLessPushy

Research Question: How do college-aged students use and perceive push-to-talk cellular radios in their daily lives?

Methodology: The researchers provided college-aged students with push-to-talk cellular radios and observed their use of the devices. They also conducted ongoing interviews with the participants to gain insights into their experiences.

Results: The study found that the half-duplex, lightweight cellular radios were associated with reduced interactional commitment. This meant that the cellular radios could be used for a wider range of conversation styles, including intermittent conversation, which is typically associated with textual media. The researchers observed that participants did not feel the need to reply immediately when someone spoke to them via the cellular radio, and this phenomenon impacted the range of conversation styles available to them. The cellular radios were generally used in preference to other technologies, and participants reported they routinely used cellular radios when they would not have used other technologies.

Implications: The findings suggest that push-to-talk cellular radios can support a wide range of conversation styles and be used in many different situations. This could have implications for the design of future mobile voice communication systems, particularly those aimed at supporting out-of-workplace social relationships within gelled social groups. The study also highlights the potential of push-to-talk cellular radios as a tool for enhancing social communication among young adults.

Link to Article: https://arxiv.org/abs/0311006v1 Authors: arXiv ID: 0311006v1