The social robot? Analyzing whether and how the telepresence robot AV1 affords socialization
Peer reviewed, Journal article
Published version
Permanent lenke
https://hdl.handle.net/11250/3097817Utgivelsesdato
2023Metadata
Vis full innførselSamlinger
- Publikasjoner fra Cristin [3362]
- SAM - Institutt for sosialfag [480]
Originalversjon
10.1177/13548565231201774Sammendrag
Telepresence robots are increasingly used in schools as a way of including students who are unable
to be physically present in the classroom with other students. The use of such robots is intended not
just to help students follow their education but also to serve a social purpose. However, the extent
to which the robots actually afford socializing needs to be explored further. This article analyzes
how, to what extent, for whom, and under what circumstances the telepresence robot AV1 affords
social contact for the heterogenous group of homebound Norwegian upper secondary school
students. Building on Jenny Davis’ mechanisms and conditions framework of affordances, we focus
on how AV1 affords for different students in specific circumstances. Our analysis draws on in-
terviews with 11 upper secondary school students in Norway and finds that individual traits and
circumstances such as health issues and social networks are important aspects when assessing
whether a technology affords socializing. Based on our findings, we argue for expanding the
mechanisms and conditions framework to include not just its current focus on perception,
dexterity, and cultural and institutional legitimacy, but also the users’ emotions.