Collective Behaviour in Video Viewing: A Thermodynamic Analysis of Gaze Position.

ABSTRACT: Videos and commercials produced for large audiences can elicit mixed opinions. We wondered whether this diversity is also reflected in the way individuals watch the videos. To answer this question, we presented 65 commercials with high production value to 25 individuals while recording their eye movements, and asked them to provide preference ratings for each video. We find that gaze positions for the most popular videos are highly correlated. To explain the correlations of eye movements, we model them as "interactions" between individuals. A thermodynamic analysis of these interactions shows that they approach a "critical" point such that any stronger interaction would put all viewers into lock-step and any weaker interaction would fully randomise patterns. At this critical point, groups

SUBMITTER: Burleson-Lesser K 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5207684 | biostudies-literature | 2017

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature