Public Perceptions on Psychological and Social Impacts of Virtual and Augmented Reality

Zusammenfassung

Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR) technologies have gained prominence in scientific and industrial contexts over the last decade. While extensive evaluations of their potential benefits and challenges exist, public perceptions of the psychological and social issues associated with VR and AR remain less explored. This study addresses this gap by examining public attitudes toward these issues and the broader impact of such technologies through a two-part online survey (N=150). Our findings reveal that participants hold a nuanced perspective, clearly distinguishing between VR and AR, expressing optimism about potential applications yet voicing concerns regarding their effects on health, social interactions, and overreliance. This study contributes empirical evidence on public perceptions of VR and AR, offering valuable insights for developers, designers, and policymakers.