Social impacts of augmented reality
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Augmented Reality and Social Interaction
Augmented reality (AR) has a significant impact on how people interact socially. Studies show that AR can both enhance and disrupt social connections. For example, the presence of virtual agents in AR can change how people perform tasks—making them do better on simple tasks but worse on harder ones when a virtual agent is present. AR also affects nonverbal behavior, as people tend to avoid sitting where a virtual agent was placed, even after removing the headset. However, using AR headsets while talking to someone not using AR can reduce feelings of social connection between people .
Shared Social Experiences and Relationship Building
AR applications, especially those with social features, help build relationships among users by creating shared experiences. These shared experiences—such as a sense of place, social interaction, and social identity—strengthen customer-to-customer relationships and encourage continued use of AR apps. The positive effects are even stronger for people who are more extroverted . In mobile fitness apps, AR has also been shown to improve digital social interaction, making workouts more engaging and socially connected .
AR and Social Skills Development
AR is being used to support social skills development, particularly in children with autism. Research suggests that AR-based interventions can help children with autism improve basic social skills, such as greetings and social engagement. While the evidence is promising, more high-quality studies are needed to confirm these benefits .
Entertainment, Sociability, and Social Presence
AR is often used for entertainment and learning, but its effects on sociability are mixed. In some cases, AR does not increase perceived sociability or positive social behavior compared to traditional methods. Users sometimes experience a conflict between the real and virtual worlds, which can limit the social benefits of AR . The social environment and the focus of interaction also matter: playing AR games in crowded or uncrowded spaces, or with different levels of social interaction, can change how socially acceptable and engaging the experience feels . The sense of presence and immersion in AR games is linked to positive emotions and less distraction from social partners, especially in competitive settings .
AR Filters, Social Media, and Well-Being
AR filters on social media are widely used for fun, creativity, and self-expression. For adolescents, using AR filters can help with socializing, building self-esteem, and exploring identity. However, these filters can also be time-consuming, cause frustration, and increase social pressure . People use AR face filters for various reasons, including creative content and social interaction, but the effects on well-being depend on the motivation behind their use. Some motivations lead to positive feelings, while others can have negative effects . For Generation Z women, AR experiences with beauty brands can improve body image and self-esteem, especially when they trust social media influencers .
Conclusion
Augmented reality has complex social impacts. It can foster social connections, support social skills development, and enhance shared experiences, but it can also create barriers to social connection and introduce new social pressures. The effects of AR depend on the context, the way it is used, and individual differences among users. As AR technology becomes more common, understanding and designing for its social impacts will be increasingly important.
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