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Nonverbal Synchrony in Technology-Mediated Interviews: A Cross-Cultural Study
Ken Fujiwara1, Christopher D Otmar2, Norah E Dunbar2
1Department of Psychology, National Chung Cheng University, No.168, Sec. 1, University Rd., Minhsiung, 621301 Taiwan, ROC.
Journal of Nonverbal Behavior
|September 20, 2022
Summary
This study found increased nonverbal synchrony in mediated interviews, particularly facial synchrony during information-driven discussions. Female hosts also exhibited higher synchrony, with no observed cultural differences in these communication patterns.
Area of Science:
- Communication studies
- Psychology
- Human-computer interaction
Background:
- Technology-mediated communication surged during the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Research on nonverbal synchrony in mediated interviews remains limited.
- Understanding nonverbal cues in digital interactions is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate nonverbal synchrony (facial and movement) between hosts and guests in technology-mediated interviews.
- To examine how interview type (information vs. entertainment) and host gender influence synchrony.
- To explore potential cultural differences in mediated interview synchrony.
Main Methods:
- Automated analysis of facial emotional displays (valence) using FaceReader software.
- Automated measurement of upper body movement using Motion Energy Analysis software.
- Time-series analysis of simultaneous movements to quantify synchrony in Western and Eastern cultural contexts.
Main Results:
- Facial synchrony was significantly higher in information-driven interviews.
- Female-hosted interviews showed greater synchrony, especially in information-driven contexts.
- No significant cultural differences in nonverbal synchrony were detected.
Conclusions:
- Situational demands and communication goals strongly influence nonverbal synchrony in mediated interviews.
- Nonverbal synchrony in technology-mediated interviews is evident and influenced by interview type and host gender.
- Cultural factors played a less significant role in synchrony compared to situational and goal-driven aspects.
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