Bluetooth-sensed social presence is associated with immediate vigor and delayed fatigue: A multi-method time series analysis

TL;DR

Bluetooth data shows that social interactions boost energy quickly but may lead to fatigue later.

Contribution

This study reveals how social presence affects emotions over time using Bluetooth and self-reports in real-life settings.

Findings

Social presence increases immediate vigor and reduces dejection.

Fatigue follows social presence with a delay of 3–4 hours.

Vigorous emotional states last longer than fatigued states.

Abstract

Social interactions affect emotional well-being, yet their temporal dynamics remain understudied in natural settings. We examined these patterns through an experience sampling method study with 80 participants over two weeks (k = 3,716 assessments), combining Bluetooth device counts (n = 123,574) as a social presence proxy with self-reported emotional states. Using linear mixed-effects models, continuous-time structural equation models, and multi-state Markov analyses, we uncovered complex temporal relationships between social presence and emotions. Our findings revealed that social presence was associated with increased immediate vigor and reduced dejection, followed by delayed fatigue. Bidirectional relationships emerged between social presence and negative mood, with peak effects occurring 3–4 h after initial contact. State-transition analyses demonstrated longer persistence of vigorous states compared to fatigued states, with social presence influencing these transitions. These results demonstrate how social-emotional processes unfold across multiple timescales, suggesting both immediate benefits and delayed costs of social presence.

•Bluetooth device counts serve as valid proxies for social presence in naturalistic settings•Social presence is associated with immediate positive effects on vigor and delayed fatigue•Peak effects of social-emotional dynamics occur 3–4 h after initial social contact•State transitions reveal vigorous states are more stable than fatigued states

Bluetooth device counts serve as valid proxies for social presence in naturalistic settings

Social presence is associated with immediate positive effects on vigor and delayed fatigue

Peak effects of social-emotional dynamics occur 3–4 h after initial social contact

State transitions reveal vigorous states are more stable than fatigued states

Social sciences; Psychology; Research methodology social sciences

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