hartslagschatting

Hartslagschatting is a term used to describe a form of online conversation where physiological data, especially heart rate, is integrated into the communication process. In this approach, wearable devices measure heart rate and, with the participant’s consent, these data can influence message flow, status displays, or the interpretation of messages. The concept may involve real-time or near-real-time sharing of heart-rate information to provide context for interaction, gauge arousal or urgency, and tailor the pacing of exchanges. It is typically discussed as an experimental or niche practice rather than a mainstream feature.

Origin and usage: The word hartslagschatting is a Dutch compound of hartslag (heartbeat) and chat (conversation). It appears in Dutch-language tech discussions and some experimental social projects in the 2020s, though its exact meaning and implementation vary across communities and platforms.

Implementation and features: Common elements include integration with wearables such as smartwatches or fitness trackers, dashboards displaying heart-rate trends, and, in some cases, derived indicators like heart-rate variability to infer mood or stress. Systems may apply rules that adjust message timing, visibility, or prompts based on the measured data. Participation is typically opt-in, with emphasis on privacy controls, data ownership, and explicit consent. Data may be stored locally or transmitted to servers, depending on the platform.

Applications and considerations: Hartslagschatting is discussed as an experimental tool for adding context and empathy to digital dialogue, with potential benefits in understanding emotional states. However, it raises privacy and security concerns, the risk of misinterpreting physiological signals, and issues of unequal access to required devices.

See also: affective computing, biosensing, quantified self, real-time communication.