katselise

Katselise is a neologism used in some media studies discussions to describe the practice of watching content on personal devices in shared public spaces, and the social dynamics that such behavior entails. The term is not widely established in standard dictionaries, but it appears in scholarly articles and online discussions as a way to name a specific form of spectatorship centered on screens.

Etymology: The word appears to be formed from katselu, a Finnic-language root meaning viewing or watching, combined with a suffix that resembles English -ise to indicate a practice or qualities of observation. As a neologism, its precise morphology can vary by author, and it is often defined by context.

Usage and interpretation: Analysts use katselise to discuss how people in public or quasi-public settings turn attention inward to their devices, creating a social dynamic where the physical crowd is present but attention is divided. This can affect conversations, spatial engagement, and perceptions of privacy. It is contrasted with traditional, active spectatorship in live performances or public events.

See also: Spectatorship, Viewership, Mobile media, Public space, Gaze theory.