UCLIC Seminar: Precision Tracking of Digital Activity in situ: Patterns in Attention Focus, Mood and Stress

Speaker: Gloria Mark, University of California, Irvine
UCL Contact: Ana Tajadura Jimenez (Visitors from outside UCL please email in advance).
Date/Time: 01 Jul 15, 15:00 - 16:00
Venue: 1.03

Abstract

The recent revolution in sensor technology is enabling new ways to measure human behavior in situ with precision. My goal is to understand digital technology use in real world environments, and how it affects human mood and behavior. Using a mixed-methods approach, I study how digital media use is related to multitasking, stress, mood, and focus. I will present data from information workers tracked in the workplace for multiple days, and from 124 Millennials tracked for multiple days, all waking hours. We collected this data using sensors and biosensors, SenseCams, experience sampling, and repeated surveys. This approach enables us to answer numerous questions, such as: To what extent do people multitask and self-interrupt? How do online and offline social interactions affect mood? What activities do people carry out when focused and bored throughout their workday? How can we explain what causes workplace distractions? What effects does email use have on focus, stress and mood? What factors are associated with productivity? I will present answers to these questions, and will discuss how these results can inform the design of computer technologies and practices that could be used to improve people's mood, focus and stress management.

Gloria Mark