Assignment
Next-generation XR tech like HMDs with facial tracking and see-through displays are merging physical and virtual spaces. While promising enhanced social connection, the emphasis on visuals may create unintended communication barriers. This project delves into the short- and long-term effects of XR on social connectedness, exploring its role in mediating interactions across online and offline settings. Regardless of user co-presence, XR is increasingly integrated into daily life, driven by convenience, assistance, and self-expression (e.g., avatar preference). XR's impact on social connection is likely multifaceted. While facilitating connection in some scenarios, it may hinder emotional intimacy and nonverbal cues, potentially increasing conflict risk in others. This research will inform the design of future XR systems that promote healthy and conflict-free social interactions in both online and offline environments. The findings will be valuable to both XR developers and social psychologists studying the transformation of human communication in the digital age.
In this internship you will start by piloting an XR social-interaction study. The setup may also entail expert interviews or wearing a VR device for extended periods of time in order to gather diary-based data of yourself.
keywords
XR; social connectedness; healthy social interactions; online and offline environments.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION ORGANIZATION
The section Psychology of Conflict, Risk and Safety at the University of Twente has a distinctive and unique profile in the areas of risk perception and risk communication, conflict and crisis management and the antecedents of risky, antisocial and criminal behaviour. It currently includes 16 research staff members and 8 PhD students. We work from both a psychology and an engineering perspective and cooperate with other scientific disciplines, based on the “high tech, human touch” profile of the University of Twente.
availability
Flexible. This internship is a highly recommended (!) precursor for the masters project on the same topic. This project is open for 1 student.
Interested?
Please contact the PCRS internship coordinator Miriam Oostinga (m.s.d.oostinga@utwente.nl).
Literature
- Gibson, C. (2020). From “social distancing” to “care in connecting”: An emerging organizational research agenda for turbulent times. Academy of Management Discoveries, 6(2), 165-169.
- Kreijns, K., Xu, K., & Weidlich, J. (2022). Social presence: Conceptualization and measurement. Educational Psychology Review, 34(1), 139-170.
- Mann, S. (2002). Mediated reality with implementations for everyday life. Presence Connect, 1, 2002.
- Mann, S., & Barfield, W. (2003). Introduction to mediated reality. International Journal of Human-Computer Interaction, 15(2), 205-208.
- Mitchell, A. (2023). Collaboration technology affordances from virtual collaboration in the time of COVID-19 and post-pandemic strategies. Information Technology & People, 36(5), 1982-2008.
- Raghuram, S., Hill, N. S., Gibbs, J. L., & Maruping, L. M. (2019). Virtual work: Bridging research clusters. Academy of Management Annals, 13(1), 308-341.