Proposing Body Doubling as a Continuum of Space/Time and Mutuality: An Investigation with Neurodivergent Participants

Abstract

Body doubling involves using the presence of others to stay focused on or accomplish tasks. The term has emerged as a community-driven phenomenon employed by neurodivergent individuals and technologically mediated services for body doubling have followed. Yet, no academic exploration exists on the topic. We survey 220 people to investigate how, when, and why they engage in body doubling and how they define it. Most participants acknowledged that they had used this technique long before learning its name. We present the variety of ways people engage in body doubling (e.g., at a café, with YouTube), a diverse range of tasks people utilize it for (e.g., studying, dishes, exercising), and their motivations for doing so (e.g., generating momentum, staying on task). We contribute a two-part model of body doubling as a continuum of space/time and mutuality. We close with implications for future development in this space.