Computers in Human Behavior最新文献

How digital technology can steal your time 数字技术如何偷走你的时间

IF 9 1区心理学

Computers in Human Behavior Pub Date : 2025-04-23 DOI: 10.1016/j.chb.2025.108680

Vanda Černohorská , Christine Schoetensack , Tereza Klegr , Joanna Witowska , Katarzyna Goncikowska , Georgina Giner-Domínguez , Julie Papastamatelou , Sébastien Chappuis , Mónica Fernández Boente , Quentin Meteier , Marc Wittmann , Nuria Codina , José Vicente Pestana , Rafael Valenzuela , Chantal Martin-Söelch , Ruth Ogden

{"title":"How digital technology can steal your time","authors":"Vanda Černohorská , Christine Schoetensack , Tereza Klegr , Joanna Witowska , Katarzyna Goncikowska , Georgina Giner-Domínguez , Julie Papastamatelou , Sébastien Chappuis , Mónica Fernández Boente , Quentin Meteier , Marc Wittmann , Nuria Codina , José Vicente Pestana , Rafael Valenzuela , Chantal Martin-Söelch , Ruth Ogden","doi":"10.1016/j.chb.2025.108680","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.chb.2025.108680","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Digital devices are marketed as tools to improve efficiency and save time, however their use is also often associated with time pressure, time poverty and reduced wellbeing. Precisely how and why digital technologies reduce the availability of time is largely unknown. This study sought to explore the ways in which people experience a loss of time as a result of digital technology use. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 300 people from Spain, Poland, Czechia, Germany, Switzerland and the United Kingdom. Thematic analysis of the interview data revealed that digital technology use impacted the way in which time was used, monitored and evaluated. Participants associated digital technology use with a loss of time, a desire to fill all time, a propensity to forget time and, as a result, a desire to gain greater control of time. As a result, the experience of loss of time to digital technology was associated with feelings of guilt, shame and a lack of self-control. The findings suggest that a combination of structural factors, including imperfect algorithm content provision and ease of device use, and attitudinal factors, including the belief that digital time was inauthentic, unintellectual or “bad for you”, lead to the perception of time loss through digital device use. Improvements in algorithmic content generation and greater acceptance of the benefits of time on digital media may help reduce the sense that time is lost to digital technology, and the associated feelings of guilt and loss of control.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":48471,"journal":{"name":"Computers in Human Behavior","volume":"169 ","pages":"Article 108680"},"PeriodicalIF":9.0,"publicationDate":"2025-04-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143877176","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"心理学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

引用次数: 0

AI imaginaries shape technological identity and digital futures 人工智能想象塑造了技术身份和数字未来

IF 9 1区心理学

Computers in Human Behavior Pub Date : 2025-04-23 DOI: 10.1016/j.chb.2025.108682

Bu Zhong , Yunya Song , Guangchao Charles Feng , Jingyuan Shi , Yuner Zhu , Lola Xie , Wanhui April Zhou , Sinan Yu , Yajing Lu , Ying Qin , Zuquan Xiong

{"title":"AI imaginaries shape technological identity and digital futures","authors":"Bu Zhong , Yunya Song , Guangchao Charles Feng , Jingyuan Shi , Yuner Zhu , Lola Xie , Wanhui April Zhou , Sinan Yu , Yajing Lu , Ying Qin , Zuquan Xiong","doi":"10.1016/j.chb.2025.108682","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.chb.2025.108682","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Artificial intelligence (AI) has evolved to become a transformative driver across various societal sectors, influencing our perception of shared digital futures. Central to this transformation are AI imaginaries – collective visions, beliefs, symbols, and expectations that individuals and communities hold about AI and its potential outcomes. AI imaginaries not only reflect societal hopes and concerns, but also actively shape the trajectory of AI development, integration, and governance. Drawing insights from theories of social identity, identity infusion and sociotechnical imaginaries, we propose the AI Imaginary Model as a conceptual framework examining their influence on user technological identity and shared digital futures. By exploring the interplay between AI imaginaries and sociotechnical systems, we highlight the role of these imaginaries in molding public attitudes, driving policy decisions, and fostering innovation. Recognizing the spectrum of AI imaginaries, from utopian to dystopian, we emphasize the need for a critical and balanced discourse to navigate the complex landscape of AI imaginaries. Our analysis should contribute to a deeper understanding of how AI imaginaries may empower or hinder users, shaping their technological identities and broader visions of digital futures. Finally, we call for increased scholarly focus on AI imaginaries to guide responsible technology stewardship and ensure that AI's development aligns with our shared values and collective well-being.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":48471,"journal":{"name":"Computers in Human Behavior","volume":"169 ","pages":"Article 108682"},"PeriodicalIF":9.0,"publicationDate":"2025-04-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143877177","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"心理学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

引用次数: 0

The impact of different types of self-regulation scaffolds on learning science with hypermedia 不同类型的自我调节支架对超媒体科学学习的影响

IF 9 1区心理学

Computers in Human Behavior Pub Date : 2025-04-21 DOI: 10.1016/j.chb.2025.108670

Alenka Gril , Anja Podlesek , Luka Komidar , Alenka Kavčič , Katja Depolli Steiner , Sonja Pečjak , Tina Pirc , Melita Puklek Levpušček , Bojana Boh Podgornik , Aleš Hladnik , Ciril Bohak , Matevž Pesek , Žiga Lesar , Matija Marolt , Cirila Peklaj

{"title":"The impact of different types of self-regulation scaffolds on learning science with hypermedia","authors":"Alenka Gril , Anja Podlesek , Luka Komidar , Alenka Kavčič , Katja Depolli Steiner , Sonja Pečjak , Tina Pirc , Melita Puklek Levpušček , Bojana Boh Podgornik , Aleš Hladnik , Ciril Bohak , Matevž Pesek , Žiga Lesar , Matija Marolt , Cirila Peklaj","doi":"10.1016/j.chb.2025.108670","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.chb.2025.108670","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Effective use of scaffolds in hypermedia should support students' self-regulated learning while considering their individual differences. Metacognitive and cognitive scaffolds, but not motivational scaffolds, have been extensively researched. There is no clear evidence that using only one type of scaffold is more effective than combining different types. The aim of this study was to determine if the use of different types of scaffolds and their combination in hypermedia predicts learning achievement over and above individual student differences. In the first phase of our quasi-experimental study, 443 ninth graders learned about visual perception in hypermedia. We measured their individual characteristics (grade point average [GPA], intelligence [IQ], learning time, and the number of learning strategies used) and their learning achievement and divided them into six comparable groups. In the second phase, the groups learned about olfactory perception using different scaffolds embedded in hypermedia: 6 cognitive, 6 metacognitive, 6 motivational, all 18 scaffolds together, a selected subset of 6 mixed scaffolds, and no scaffolds. We administered a pre-test and a post-test to assess what students learned, and collected data on students’ note-taking, self-reported use of learning strategies, and interest in the topic. Hierarchical regression analysis of data from 288 students revealed that students with a higher GPA, specific prior knowledge and interest in the topic, and those who used more self-regulation strategies learned more. Scaffolds did not significantly contribute to the prediction of learning outcomes. Implications for the research design of studies investigating the effects of learning scaffolds in hypermedia are discussed.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":48471,"journal":{"name":"Computers in Human Behavior","volume":"169 ","pages":"Article 108670"},"PeriodicalIF":9.0,"publicationDate":"2025-04-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143868204","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"心理学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

引用次数: 0

Invisible algorithms, visible outcomes: Roles of emotional labor and work gamification in gigs 看不见的算法，看得见的结果：情绪劳动和工作游戏化在零工中的作用

IF 9 1区心理学

Computers in Human Behavior Pub Date : 2025-04-18 DOI: 10.1016/j.chb.2025.108681

Yali Zhang , Liaoliao Li , Xiaoyu Ma , Jun Sun , Yifei Dong , Zhaojun Yang

{"title":"Invisible algorithms, visible outcomes: Roles of emotional labor and work gamification in gigs","authors":"Yali Zhang , Liaoliao Li , Xiaoyu Ma , Jun Sun , Yifei Dong , Zhaojun Yang","doi":"10.1016/j.chb.2025.108681","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.chb.2025.108681","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>As algorithm governance becomes increasingly crucial in gig economy ecosystems, understanding the behavioral impact of algorithmic transparency remains a key research gap. Using the stimulus-organism-response framework and uncertainty management theory, this study examines how platform algorithmic transparency affects gig workers’ in-role and extra-role service behaviors, with emotional labor acting as a mediator and work gamification as a moderator. Analyzing survey data from 325 ride-hailing drivers using partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM), the findings reveal that greater algorithmic transparency enhances both in-role and extra-role behaviors. Emotional labor mediates this relationship: deep acting strengthens both behaviors, while surface acting primarily supports in-role behavior. Meanwhile, work gamification diminishes the positive effect of algorithmic transparency on extra-role service behavior. These insights clarify the mechanisms and boundary conditions of algorithmic transparency in gig work, offering practical guidance for designing platform algorithms that optimize worker performance and satisfaction.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":48471,"journal":{"name":"Computers in Human Behavior","volume":"169 ","pages":"Article 108681"},"PeriodicalIF":9.0,"publicationDate":"2025-04-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143864895","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"心理学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

引用次数: 0

Influencing driving safety by matching AI assistant's verbal emotions to driver: A randomized controlled trial on performance, attention, and emotion 通过匹配人工智能助手与驾驶员的语言情绪来影响驾驶安全：一项关于表现、注意力和情绪的随机对照试验

IF 9 1区心理学

Computers in Human Behavior Pub Date : 2025-04-14 DOI: 10.1016/j.chb.2025.108667

Binhao Huang , Jian Lv , Ligang Qiang

{"title":"Influencing driving safety by matching AI assistant's verbal emotions to driver: A randomized controlled trial on performance, attention, and emotion","authors":"Binhao Huang , Jian Lv , Ligang Qiang","doi":"10.1016/j.chb.2025.108667","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.chb.2025.108667","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This Research explores the emotional alignment and conflict between AI assistants and drivers, and their impact on the driver's emotional state, behavior, and attention. As intelligent connected vehicles evolve, voice interaction has become a key medium for emotional communication. Previous studies highlight the influence of driver emotions on driving performance, with emotional mismatches potentially exacerbating fluctuations and impairing performance. To investigate this, a multimodal emotion induction experiment was conducted, where drivers were induced into pleasant and frustrated emotional states and paired with AI assistants expressing either positive or negative emotions. A simulated driving test collected data on driving performance, eye movements, and electrodermal activity (EDA). Results showed that positive emotions enhanced driver attention, decision-making, emergency response, and reduced errors and accidents. When emotionally consistent, AI assistants improved driver performance; however, emotionally conflicting assistants triggered self-regulation mechanisms in frustrated drivers, enhancing attention and response speed. These findings provide a theoretical basis for using emotional guidance and human-machine collaboration strategies to improve driver performance and traffic safety.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":48471,"journal":{"name":"Computers in Human Behavior","volume":"169 ","pages":"Article 108667"},"PeriodicalIF":9.0,"publicationDate":"2025-04-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143834258","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"心理学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

引用次数: 0

Giving or receiving: Impact of online socializing in online fitness community on physical activity and emotional state 给予或接受：在线健身社区中的在线社交对体育锻炼和情绪状态的影响

IF 9 1区心理学

Computers in Human Behavior Pub Date : 2025-04-12 DOI: 10.1016/j.chb.2025.108669

Liuan Wang , Yueming Ma , Zhijun Yan , Lijiang Zhang , Yicheng Hu , Shuai Zhao

{"title":"Giving or receiving: Impact of online socializing in online fitness community on physical activity and emotional state","authors":"Liuan Wang , Yueming Ma , Zhijun Yan , Lijiang Zhang , Yicheng Hu , Shuai Zhao","doi":"10.1016/j.chb.2025.108669","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.chb.2025.108669","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>With the increasing popularity of online social networking, people's communication with others on online platforms can regulate emotions and reduce stress, thus benefiting their physical activity and emotional state. Socializing can be divided into two categories: giving socializing and receiving socializing. However, it is not clear which type of socializing is more beneficial for physical activity and emotional state. Therefore, we collected the data from online fitness communities (OFCs) and used panel vector autoregression (PVAR) models to evaluate the effects of different types of online socializing on physical activity and emotional state. Also, we used a simultaneous equation model and modify variables to strengthen the accuracy and robustness of experimental results. We found that short-term receiving socializing has a greater impact on physical activity compared to giving socializing. The impact of long-term physical activity on giving socializing is greater than its impact on receiving socializing. Short-term giving socializing has a negative impact on emotional state, while short-term receiving socializing has a positive impact. The positive impact of emotional state on giving socializing is greater than its impact on receiving socializing. Further, compared to emotional state, giving socializing have a stronger effect on physical activity. This study building a triadic ecosystem of OFCs theoretically. And it provides practical suggestions for the development of socializing and the management of individual physical activity, as well as emotional state in an online social environment.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":48471,"journal":{"name":"Computers in Human Behavior","volume":"169 ","pages":"Article 108669"},"PeriodicalIF":9.0,"publicationDate":"2025-04-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143830009","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"心理学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

引用次数: 0

Investigating the cognitive enhancement effects of multisensory VR reminiscence therapy on older adults: Analyzing the impact of sensory combinations 多感官VR回忆疗法对老年人认知增强效果的研究：分析感官组合的影响

IF 9 1区心理学

Computers in Human Behavior Pub Date : 2025-04-08 DOI: 10.1016/j.chb.2025.108668

I-Jui Lee, Xin-Ting Pan

{"title":"Investigating the cognitive enhancement effects of multisensory VR reminiscence therapy on older adults: Analyzing the impact of sensory combinations","authors":"I-Jui Lee, Xin-Ting Pan","doi":"10.1016/j.chb.2025.108668","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.chb.2025.108668","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>As individuals age, sensory functions and cognitive abilities decline, particularly in spatial positioning, detailed memory, and time sequencing, which significantly affect daily life. While VR has been used for cognitive training, most systems rely primarily on visual stimuli, with limited integration of multiple sensory modalities. Consequently, the specific benefits and interactions of multisensory stimulation with cognitive functions in older adults remain unclear.</div><div>This study examines the effects of multisensory VR stimulation compared to visual-only VR on older adults' spatial positioning, detailed memory, and time sequencing. We developed a culturally relevant VR experience based on traditional Taiwanese agricultural life, integrating visual, auditory, tactile, and olfactory stimuli to evoke emotional memories and stimulate cognitive function.</div><div>Thirty older adults (65–75 years) were recruited and divided into two groups through a structured allocation process. The experimental group (n = 15) used the multisensory VR system, while the control group (n = 15) used the visual-only VR system. Allocation was balanced based on age, cognitive ability (HDS-R scores), and other relevant factors to maintain internal validity.</div><div>After four stages of reminiscence-based cognitive training, participant performance was assessed using the Comprehensive Cognitive Ability Test Questionnaire, the Cognitive Function Recall Effectiveness Scale, and the Multisensory Stimulation and Cognitive Rule Correspondence Assessment Scale. The results showed that the experimental group outperformed the control group in spatial positioning, detailed memory, and time sequencing. These findings highlight the impact of different sensory combinations on cognitive functions, emphasizing the role of multisensory integration in cognitive enhancement among older adults.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":48471,"journal":{"name":"Computers in Human Behavior","volume":"168 ","pages":"Article 108668"},"PeriodicalIF":9.0,"publicationDate":"2025-04-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143825623","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"心理学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

引用次数: 0

“Their privacy matters too!” A self-other calculus perspective on disclosure of others’ information on social media: The influence of relationship closeness and affect "他们的隐私也很重要！"从 "自我-他者计算 "的角度看待在社交媒体上披露他人信息：关系亲密程度和情感的影响

IF 9 1区心理学

Computers in Human Behavior Pub Date : 2025-04-07 DOI: 10.1016/j.chb.2025.108665

Mingxin Zhang , Hou Zhu

{"title":"“Their privacy matters too!” A self-other calculus perspective on disclosure of others’ information on social media: The influence of relationship closeness and affect","authors":"Mingxin Zhang , Hou Zhu","doi":"10.1016/j.chb.2025.108665","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.chb.2025.108665","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This study addresses the often-overlooked behavioral mechanisms underlying interdependent privacy violations on social media, where individuals (i.e., data senders) post content about other people (i.e., data subjects). In response, we introduce a self-other calculus framework to consider both personal and others' benefits and risks in such sharing decisions. It hypothesizes that data senders weigh these factors, influenced by affect (intrapersonal influence) and their relationship closeness with data subjects (interpersonal influence). Using 2 × 2 between-subjects design, we performed a scenario-based experiment with 1007 participants. Data analysis through multiple linear regression and Hayes's PROCESS macro confirmed our main hypotheses. We identified two important conditions under which people tend to disclose others' information: (1) when data senders and data subjects have a closer interpersonal relationship and (2) when data senders feel emotionally positive. This study shifts extant behavioral research focus from personal privacy to the interpersonal context, as well as examines the context-dependent and bounded-rationality nature of privacy decisions involving multiple stakeholders.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":48471,"journal":{"name":"Computers in Human Behavior","volume":"168 ","pages":"Article 108665"},"PeriodicalIF":9.0,"publicationDate":"2025-04-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143815077","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"心理学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

引用次数: 0

Self-mourning in the digital age: Insights from Douban's Online Graveyard in Chinese 数字时代的自我哀悼：来自豆瓣网络墓地的中文解读

IF 9 1区心理学

Computers in Human Behavior Pub Date : 2025-04-07 DOI: 10.1016/j.chb.2025.108666

Qi Ai , Yansheng Mao , Huimin Huang

{"title":"Self-mourning in the digital age: Insights from Douban's Online Graveyard in Chinese","authors":"Qi Ai , Yansheng Mao , Huimin Huang","doi":"10.1016/j.chb.2025.108666","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.chb.2025.108666","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This study provides an in-depth analysis of self-mourning discourse within the “Tomb/Grave for Oneself” section of Douban's Online Graveyard, focusing on the types, temporal patterns, and emotional self-regulation processes involved in Chinese. Using a mixed-methods approach, it draws on the Affective Lexicon Ontology to reveal the multidimensionality of emotional expressions in Chinese online self-mourning, encompassing both negative emotions (e.g., pain, depression, anxiety) and positive emotions (e.g., hope, like). These findings underscore the dual role of online self-mourning platforms as spaces for emotional disclosure and psychological healing. Furthermore, the study identifies a temporal trajectory in emotional expressions, transitioning from past-oriented negative emotions to future-oriented positive ones, signaling a shift from trauma to self-renewal. This emotional transformation aligns with the process model of self-focused emotion regulation (Gross, 1998, 2015, 2024), highlighting the mechanisms through which online self-mourners achieve psychological resilience. The findings offer new insights into the emotional dynamics of online self-disclosure and its potential for fostering mental well-being.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":48471,"journal":{"name":"Computers in Human Behavior","volume":"168 ","pages":"Article 108666"},"PeriodicalIF":9.0,"publicationDate":"2025-04-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143815043","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"心理学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

引用次数: 0

The buffering of autonomic fear responses is moderated by the characteristics of a virtual character 虚拟角色的特征对自律神经恐惧反应的缓冲作用具有调节作用

IF 9 1区心理学

Computers in Human Behavior Pub Date : 2025-04-05 DOI: 10.1016/j.chb.2025.108657

Martin Weiß , Philipp Krop , Lukas Treml , Elias Neuser , Mario Botsch , Martin J. Herrmann , Marc Erich Latoschik , Grit Hein

{"title":"The buffering of autonomic fear responses is moderated by the characteristics of a virtual character","authors":"Martin Weiß , Philipp Krop , Lukas Treml , Elias Neuser , Mario Botsch , Martin J. Herrmann , Marc Erich Latoschik , Grit Hein","doi":"10.1016/j.chb.2025.108657","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.chb.2025.108657","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The presence of a conspecific can mitigate autonomic responses to aversive stimuli, an effect known as social buffering. Nowadays, social interactions are often virtual, yet virtual social buffering effects remain poorly understood. This work presents five studies that systematically test the conditions required for virtual social buffering. We assessed participants’ emotion ratings and skin conductance responses when they were presented with neutral or fear-inducing sounds alone or in the presence of a virtual character with a varying extent of human-like features (virtual female or male person, wooden puppet, point cloud). The characters were presented using the same social framing, i.e., had the same social meaning. Our results show a significant reduction in SCR responses to fear-inducing sounds in the presence of a virtual character, but only if it is embodied as a woman or a wooden puppet. Clarifying the role of the social frame, a control study showed no social buffering effects if the wooden puppet was presented without the social frame. Our results show that the characteristics of a virtual character significantly moderate the social buffering of fear responses. Our findings shed light on the nature of virtual social buffering effects and are relevant for developing virtual applications for clinical and societal interventions.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":48471,"journal":{"name":"Computers in Human Behavior","volume":"168 ","pages":"Article 108657"},"PeriodicalIF":9.0,"publicationDate":"2025-04-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143815044","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"心理学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

引用次数: 0