Investigation of Wellbeing and Situation Awareness in Virtual Reality
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Fereydooni, Nadia
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Abstract
As our relationship with technology continues to deepen, wellbeing considerations need to be front and center. Failure to do so has real consequences, both on societal and regulatory fronts. While the relationship between wellbeing and common digital technologies is extensively studied, there's a notable gap in research concerning Virtual Reality (VR), despite its known effects on user wellbeing. Although VR devices are designed with safety, productivity, and enjoyment in mind, assuming that these aspects naturally lead to higher wellbeing and happier lives is inadequate. This becomes more urgent as people spend more time in virtual environments, especially with the growing adoption of VR devices in various contexts like home and office settings. However, potential harms, intentional or unintentional, cannot be overlooked. These harms include users being distressed due to not being aware of the real world while immersed in the virtual. Providing users with real-world information in the virtual environment is proposed as a solution, but the impact of this information on user experience remains unknown. This thesis investigates how providing real-world information affects users' virtual experience and behavior, addressing a significant gap in our understanding within the VR field.
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2024-04-27
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Dissertation