What does the term 'haptics' refer to in the context of communication?

The term 'haptics' specifically refers to the study of touch as a form of communication. In the context of communication, haptics encompasses all the ways in which touch can convey messages, emotions, and social signals. This can include aspects like the type, duration, and context of touch, and how they differ in meaning across various cultures and social settings. Touch can signify comfort, affection, aggression, or authority, making it a critical element in interpersonal communication.

While haptics is firmly rooted in non-verbal communication, what sets it apart is its exclusive focus on touch. Therefore, the distinction is crucial as haptics does not encompass all non-verbal cues, which can also include body language, facial expressions, and proxemics (use of space). Instead, it zeroes in on how physical contact can be a profound communicator of information and a connector between individuals.