You, Me, and IoT: How Internet-Connected Consumer Devices Affect Interpersonal Relationships

Internet-connected consumer devices have rapidly increased in popularity; however, relatively little is known about how these technologies are affecting interpersonal relationships in multi-occupant households. In this study, we conduct 13 semi-structured interviews and survey 508 individuals from a variety of backgrounds to discover and categorize how consumer IoT devices are affecting interpersonal relationships in the United States. We highlight several themes, providing large-scale exploratory data about the pervasiveness of interpersonal costs and benefits of consumer IoT devices. These results also inform follow-up studies and design priorities for future IoT technologies to amplify positive and reduce negative interpersonal effects.Comment: 26 pages, 5 figures, 5 tables. Updated version with additional examples and minor revisions. Original title: "You, Me, and IoT: How Internet-Connected Home Devices Affect Interpersonal Relationships