Exploring How to Use Mixed Reality & Telepresence Technology to Tackle Loneliness and Reduce Feelings of Social Isolation

在英国，估计约有150万50岁及以上的人患有慢性孤独症，40%的老年人表示电视是他们唯一的公司。这些数字不断上升，给NHS等社会服务机构以及其他希望亲人得到最好待遇的亲属带来了压力。在一个由“社交”媒体主导的世界里，我们有如此多的工具和技术来相互联系，孤独感如何仍然是一个问题？答案可能在于这些技术提供的连接性的浅层体验。连通性不仅仅是连接。它需要一种共同的理解，社会化的机会，机构和独立性，以及分享有意义的经验和与其他人互动。通过合作设计研讨会、低保真原型和用户研究，这项工作将探索混合现实和远程呈现技术如何让我们将真实的和数字世界联合收割机结合起来，帮助建立深厚的关系，以缓解孤独。

In the UK, it is estimated that around 1.5 million aged 50 and over suffer from chronic loneliness, and 40% of older people say the television is their only company. These numbers are continually rising, putting a strain on social services such as the NHS, as well as other relatives who want the best for their loved ones. How is loneliness still a problem today, in a world dominated by 'social' media, where we have so many tools and technologies to connect with one another? The answer may lie in the shallow experience of connectedness these technologies provide. Connectedness is about more than just being connected. It requires a shared understanding, the chance to socialize, agency and independence, and to share meaningful experiences and interact with other human beings. Through co-design workshops, low-fi prototypes, and user studies, this work will explore how mixed reality and telepresence-technology which lets us combine the real and digital worlds-may help establish deep relationships to relieve loneliness.