Feelings of presence and perceived social support in social virtual reality platforms. (February 2023)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: van Brakel, Vincent; Barreda-Ángeles, Miguel; Hartmann, Tilo
• Is Part Of: Computers in human behavior. Volume 139(2023)
• Publication Date: 2023-02
• Subjects: Social virtual reality -- Spatial presence -- Social presence -- Self-presence -- Social support -- Well-being; Interactive computer systems -- Periodicals; Man-machine systems -- Periodicals; 004.019
• DOI: 10.1016/j.chb.2022.107523
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0747-5632

Abstract

Abstract: Social virtual reality (social VR) platforms are gaining popularity among users. Previous qualitative research suggests that feelings of presence can make these platforms an attractive environment to obtain social support from others. Building on these exploratory insights, we carried out a quantitative study to illuminate how different types of presence in social VR platforms facilitate social support. The results of a large survey conducted among users ( N = 1231) show that feelings of social presence and self-presence are predictors of perceived social support and that this perception of social support is positively associated with users' subjective well-being. Perceived social support is greater for women than for men, and it differs across platforms, although with small effect sizes. These results underline the role of presence in the perception of computer-mediated social support, suggesting that the affordances of social VR make it a particularly well-suited medium for facilitating beneficial interactions among users. Highlights: Feelings of social presence and self-presence predict perceived social support in social VR platforms. Perceived social support in social VR platforms has an indirect association with subjective well-being. Perceived social support in social VR platforms is greater for women than for men. The results suggest that social interactions in immersive media may involve benefits for users' well-being.