Forming meaningful connections between strangers in virtual reality: Comparing affiliative outcomes by interaction modality.
Christopher R. Agnew, J. J. Carter, Ledina Imami
Abstract
At present the extent to which close, meaningful connections can be formed in virtual reality (VR) between strangers is unknown, as is how the development of such connections compares to those formed in other established communication modalities. The present preregistered experiment examined the induction of closeness in VR using a validated social interaction task and how it compares with such induction in other interaction modalities with respect to affiliative outcomes (e.g., closeness toward and perceived responsiveness of interaction partner). Based on previous theory and research, we hypothesized that affiliative outcomes would be higher in interaction modalities featuring more versus less sensory input but would not differ significantly between the most sensoryrich modalities (video and VR). Two hundred seventy-two previously unacquainted undergraduate students were randomly assigned to interact with a partner (forming 136 dyads) using the "fast friends" procedure Results were consistent with hypotheses, suggesting that closeness and related outcomes can be generated and experienced in VR akin to levels experienced via other sensory-rich computer-mediated modalities. Exploratory analyses of possible individual difference moderator variables (Big Five personality dimensions and attachment orientations) yielded largely nonsignificant findings, suggesting the robustness of the obtained findings across individual differences.