Contacts

Contacts is a plural term that can refer to people in a social or professional network, as well as to the information used to reach those people. In everyday use, you manage your contacts to communicate, coordinate plans, or exchange resources.

In information management, contact information or contact data includes details such as a person’s name, telephone number, email address, and physical address. More comprehensive records may note relationship, organization, job title, and preferred communication methods. These data are stored in address books, contact management systems, or customer relationship management software, and are subject to privacy protections and data protection laws.

Contacts are also a term in optics and vision care. Contact lenses are thin lenses placed directly on the surface of the eye to correct refractive errors or for cosmetic reasons. They require proper handling, cleaning, and fitting to prevent infections or injuries.

In health and safety contexts, contact can describe physical touch or proximity between individuals. Contact tracing is a public health practice used to identify and notify people who may have been exposed to an infectious disease, enabling timely testing and isolation. This practice raises considerations about privacy, consent, and data security.

Overall, the concept of contacts spans personal relationships, information management, medical devices, and public health, with responsibilities around accuracy, privacy, and safety.