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

Recent press articles have reported that Internet-connected consumer "IoT" devices can impact interpersonal relationships among home residents and visitors. However, academic research into the variety and extent of these effects remains limited. In this study, we conduct semi-structured interviews with individuals from multi-occupant households in order to understand how home IoT devices have affected their relationships. Our results will illustrate the interpersonal costs and benefits of home IoT devices and inform recommendations for the design of future IoT technologies.