Over the centuries, when lovers found themselves far apart, they expressed their emotions in handwritten letters. Whether the message was eloquent or simple, the letter told the recipient the sender was thinking of them even though they were miles apart. It could be read again and again to keep the loved one ‘alive’ in their memory. In the 20th century, the handwritten billet-doux has been largely replaced by emails and texts which serve the same purpose, to remind the reader someone is thinking of them.
There are also tactile ways that technology in the 21st century can remind separated lovers that they are important to someone. Wearable technology fashion brand CuteCiruit introduced the haptic telecommunication HugShirt in 2002. Sensors and actuators are embedded into the long-sleeved T-shirt to allow the wearer to send and receive hugs. A hug is sent by the wearer who hugs the shirt they are wearing and the sensors send the hug’s location, strength...