Feeling the Facebook Love, Literally

A major argument against social media communication is that it can't replicate the physical interactions of a face-to-face meeting. Students at the Media Lab’s Tangible Media Group have provided a counterpoint, in the form of clothing.

Phil Seaton MA '12, Melissa Chow, and Andy Payne have designed a garment that simulates physical contact through Facebook interaction. It looks like a down vest, and it’s called the "Like-A-Hug."

The inflatable vest is activated when a Facebook friend "likes" a photo, update, or comment on the vest-wearer's Facebook page. Using wireless technology, the Like-A-Hug detects the "like" and activates a small fan attached to the vest, which fills with air and reproduces the clasping sensation of a hug.

If both users are wearing a Like-A-Hug, a return hug can be sent back by squeezing and deflating the vest.

[vimeo 46629037 w=500 h=275]

Conceptualized during a course led by Professor Hiroshi Ishii, the vest introduces a physical aspect to virtual interaction, and according to the group, could benefit long-distance relationships and separated families.

The vest isn't fashion-conscious, Seaton says, but that’s part of its appeal. Replicating a hug's physical and psychological feeling was the group’s primary focus.

Seaton told boston.com:

"There’s already a lot of products in terms of wear technology. I think the charm of this is relative to its shape and bizarreness and that it puffs up."

Created as a class project, the group had no plans to commercialize. In fact, the vest was designed in 2011 and the video above was first uploaded more than two months ago. But the Like-A-Hug went viral earlier this month, and was featured on ABC, NBC News, The Boston Globe, and The Huffington Post. The group has also been contacted by representatives from Ellen DeGeneres, Anderson Cooper, and The Today Show.

What’s your take? Is there a value to simulating physical interaction in virtual communication? Let us know in the comments below or on Facebook.