Human-camera interaction: an exploratory study on people's emotions and attitude towards cameras

Motivation -- Cameras are increasingly dominating our life, but do these influence our behaviour as well? What are people's emotions and attitude towards camera surveillance? Research approach -- In an exploratory study (n=23) people's emotional reactions to (visible and hidden) cameras were observed. Next, a survey studied people's attitude towards camera surveillance at different places (n=102). Findings/Design -- Results suggest that people are conditioned by cameras, as they react both consciously and unconsciously to cameras. People like to spy other people, while they do not like to be observed. Research limitations/Implications -- The current study is exploratory, which limited generalisation of our findings. Originality/Value -- The research contributes to the public debate on camera surveillance and how people (un)consciously react to cameras. Take away message -- Cameras evoke emotions.