“Nice to Meet You in Masks”: How Virtual Avatars Enhance User Experience on Random Video Chat Platforms
This study aims to understand how interaction design can enhance the user experience of random video chats using virtual avatars (RVC–VAs). We propose a framework to explain the mechanisms underlying changes in social anxiety and flow experiences. We applied analysis of variance (ANOVA), structural...
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
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MDPI AG
2025-01-01
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| Series: | Journal of Theoretical and Applied Electronic Commerce Research |
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| Online Access: | https://www.mdpi.com/0718-1876/20/1/14 |
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| author | Chao Gu Xin Sun Wei Wei Jie Sun Yingjie Zeng Lie Zhang |
| author_facet | Chao Gu Xin Sun Wei Wei Jie Sun Yingjie Zeng Lie Zhang |
| author_sort | Chao Gu |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | This study aims to understand how interaction design can enhance the user experience of random video chats using virtual avatars (RVC–VAs). We propose a framework to explain the mechanisms underlying changes in social anxiety and flow experiences. We applied analysis of variance (ANOVA), structural equation modeling (SEM), and fuzzy set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA) to data collected through surveys. Our findings indicate that a second-order construct, named mysterious interaction, comprising perceived interactivity, perceived vividness, and mystery, can reduce social anxiety and positively impact flow. Novelty experience enhances flow for female users but increases social anxiety for all users. Notably, social anxiety unexpectedly showed a positive effect on flow. Based on these findings, we propose interaction design strategies that could aid in the development and optimization of RVC-VA platforms, providing specific parameters to assist designers in prioritizing and planning actionable steps. This study makes a significant contribution to the advancing of online social services and addressing users’ needs for online social interaction. |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj-art-044dc9a2028d4f58943527fc4f4adb66 |
| institution | DOAJ |
| issn | 0718-1876 |
| language | English |
| publishDate | 2025-01-01 |
| publisher | MDPI AG |
| record_format | Article |
| series | Journal of Theoretical and Applied Electronic Commerce Research |
| spelling | doaj-art-044dc9a2028d4f58943527fc4f4adb662025-08-20T02:42:35ZengMDPI AGJournal of Theoretical and Applied Electronic Commerce Research0718-18762025-01-012011410.3390/jtaer20010014“Nice to Meet You in Masks”: How Virtual Avatars Enhance User Experience on Random Video Chat PlatformsChao Gu0Xin Sun1Wei Wei2Jie Sun3Yingjie Zeng4Lie Zhang5Academy of Arts and Design, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, ChinaDepartment of Industrial Design and Packaging, Belarusian National Technical University, 220013 Minsk, BelarusSchool of Textile Garment and Design, Changshu Institute of Technology, Changshu 215500, ChinaCollege of Arts and Design, Zhejiang A and F University, Hangzhou 311300, ChinaDepartment of Industrial Design, Honam University, Gwangju 62399, Republic of KoreaAcademy of Arts and Design, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, ChinaThis study aims to understand how interaction design can enhance the user experience of random video chats using virtual avatars (RVC–VAs). We propose a framework to explain the mechanisms underlying changes in social anxiety and flow experiences. We applied analysis of variance (ANOVA), structural equation modeling (SEM), and fuzzy set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA) to data collected through surveys. Our findings indicate that a second-order construct, named mysterious interaction, comprising perceived interactivity, perceived vividness, and mystery, can reduce social anxiety and positively impact flow. Novelty experience enhances flow for female users but increases social anxiety for all users. Notably, social anxiety unexpectedly showed a positive effect on flow. Based on these findings, we propose interaction design strategies that could aid in the development and optimization of RVC-VA platforms, providing specific parameters to assist designers in prioritizing and planning actionable steps. This study makes a significant contribution to the advancing of online social services and addressing users’ needs for online social interaction.https://www.mdpi.com/0718-1876/20/1/14human–computer interactionuser experiencevirtual avatarrandom video chat |
| spellingShingle | Chao Gu Xin Sun Wei Wei Jie Sun Yingjie Zeng Lie Zhang “Nice to Meet You in Masks”: How Virtual Avatars Enhance User Experience on Random Video Chat Platforms Journal of Theoretical and Applied Electronic Commerce Research human–computer interaction user experience virtual avatar random video chat |
| title | “Nice to Meet You in Masks”: How Virtual Avatars Enhance User Experience on Random Video Chat Platforms |
| title_full | “Nice to Meet You in Masks”: How Virtual Avatars Enhance User Experience on Random Video Chat Platforms |
| title_fullStr | “Nice to Meet You in Masks”: How Virtual Avatars Enhance User Experience on Random Video Chat Platforms |
| title_full_unstemmed | “Nice to Meet You in Masks”: How Virtual Avatars Enhance User Experience on Random Video Chat Platforms |
| title_short | “Nice to Meet You in Masks”: How Virtual Avatars Enhance User Experience on Random Video Chat Platforms |
| title_sort | nice to meet you in masks how virtual avatars enhance user experience on random video chat platforms |
| topic | human–computer interaction user experience virtual avatar random video chat |
| url | https://www.mdpi.com/0718-1876/20/1/14 |
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