High Resolution Dynamical Mapping of Social Interactions With Active RFID

This paper presents an experimental framework to gather data on face-to-face social interactions between individuals, with a high spatial and temporal resolution. The paper uses active Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) devices that assess contacts with one another by exchanging low-power radio packets. When individuals wear the beacons as a badge, a persistent radio contact between the RFID devices can be used as a proxy for a social interaction between individuals. The paper presents the results of a pilot study and a subsequent preliminary data analysis, that provides an assessment of the method and highlights its versatility and applicability in many areas concerned with human dynamics.