Push-to-Talk Social Talk

This paper presents an exploratory study of college-age students using two-way, push-to-talk cellular radios. We describe the observed and reported use of cellular radio by the participants. We discuss how the half-duplex, lightweight cellular radio communication was associated with reduced interactional commitment, which meant the cellular radios could be used for a wide range of conversation styles. One such style, intermittent conversation, is characterized by response delays. Intermittent conversation is surprising in an audio medium, since it is typically associated with textual media such as instant messaging. We present design implications of our findings. Key words: cellular radio, instant messaging, two-way radio, walkie-talkies

• Type: Journal
• Year: 2004
• Where: CSCW
• Authors: Allison Woodruff, Paul M. Aoki
• Keywords: Cellular Radio, Cellular Radio Communication, CSCW 2004, Push-to-talk Cellular Radios, Social Sciences