Through the Looking Glass: The Role of Virtual Mirrors in Shaping Empathy in Virtual Reality Perspective Taking
Authors: 
Caglar Yildirim, Sercan Sengun, Mehmet Akhoroz, Eyup Engin Kucuk, Fox HarrellAuthors Info & Claims
Pages 501 - 504
Abstract
In this study, we explored the effect of seeing one’s avatar in a virtual mirror during a virtual reality (VR) perspective taking experience. Participants were divided into two groups, with one experiencing the VR environment with the presence of a mirror showcasing their avatar and the other without. Results revealed that the sense of presence was comparable across both groups. However, a notable difference emerged in terms of empathy; participants who viewed their avatars in the mirror exhibited reduced empathic responses. These findings illuminate the nuanced dynamics of self-representation in virtual environments, suggesting that inducing self-awareness through a virtual mirror in VR might have unintended emotional consequences.
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- Through the Looking Glass: The Role of Virtual Mirrors in Shaping Empathy in Virtual Reality Perspective Taking
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December 2023
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Published: 03 December 2023
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MUM '23
MUM '23: International Conference on Mobile and Ubiquitous Multimedia
December 3 - 6, 2023
Vienna, Austria
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