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Investigating the Proteus Effect on Physiological Responses While Resting in VR
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Datum
2024
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Gesellschaft für Informatik e.V.
Zusammenfassung
Virtual reality (VR) allows to embody any possible appearance using avatars. Previous work found that the visual characteristics of an avatar can cause behavioral, attitudinal, and perceptual changes - a phenomenon known as the Proteus effect. Recent work revealed that athletic avatars can even change heart rate responses while exercising in VR. However, it is unknown if such effects occur due to behavioral changes caused by the avatar or the mere virtual embodiment. Therefore, we conducted a study to understand if avatars’ effects can be replicated while resting in VR. 21 participants embodied neutral, famous, and athletic avatars while lying on the ground. We could not find effects of the avatars’ appearance on heart rate and perceived identification. Results indicate that the mere virtual embodiment of stereotypical avatars cannot induce physiological effects. We discuss that physiological effects are caused by behavioral adaptations due to the avatars' visual appearance.