Induction of emotions

• mental states with which we react to simuli from the outside or the inside

• reaction patterns that trigger quick and purposeful behavior

• a signal system for orientation in our environment

• human brain is still not used to social cues produced by digital media

• we involuntarily react to virtual stimuli with emotion and behavior

• we develop parasocial interactions and relationships

• a game’s visual styles can influence a player’s mood and emotions

• gaming can generate both positive and negative feelings

• players can use games for mood management

• interactivity enhances effects of mood management

• higher presence ratings in an anxious and relaxing park in contrast to a neutral one

• presence is influenced to a great degree by the characteristics of the experience, including emotions

• presence is a mediating variable between media experience and induced emotions

-> VR is an effective mood induction medium

• degree of immersion modulates arousal responses to stimuli

• higher engagement when a larger screen is used

• angle serves as an early-stage perceptual feature for organizing emotional responses to audiovisual stimuli

• angle and multi-sensory augmentation provide means to modulate emotion responses to media

• angle helps to avoid unintended emotional responses and to provoke emotional effects when desired

• experiencing simulated natural VEs is an effective method to provide relaxtion and positive mood in acutre stress situations

• reception of a computer-generated underwater in VR reduces physiological stress, anxiety and negative feelings effectively

-> VR can provide relief from emotional strain in acute stress situation

-> VR is a viable solution to enhance well-being of people who cannot benefit from the restorative effects of nature

• emotional intensity is a major factor in the formation of presence

• presence is mostly influenced by emotional intensity and less by valence of emotion included by VE

• predominant emotion in a VE increases presence

  • happiness levels predict presence in a “happy” VE, fear levels do not

  • fear levels predict presence in a “fear-inducing” VE, happiness levels do not

• negative emotions cause similar effect to positive emotions

• but SMALLER effect size of correlation between fear and presence than happiness and presence

• detachment might occur in fear scenarios (enjoyment of thrill seeking)

• agency has a direct effect on the formation of presence!

• agency and emotional intensity interact strongly in their effect

• higher agency does not automatically increase emotional intensity

• highlight boundaries of the VE to cause feelings of confinement

• use signs of passed violent acts to evoke fear

• use motion and alternation where it is not expected

• predominantly use dark colors in the environment

• reddish highlights in form of blood or rust

• apply smooth textures together with rust and filth

• vanishing light intensifying negative emotions

• low-key lighting, soft blue, grey, red

• warm light adds tension while cold light reduces pleasantness

• unbalanced light temperatures: present the scenery in a bluish color but use strong reddish highlights

• offer players interactive or dynamic light to navigate through the VE

• apply weather influences like rain or fog to limit the player’s view

• avoid restricting a player’s movement

• adjust the general architecture of a settlement to its size, e.g. large open streets for cities and small curved roads for towns

• combine urban environments with natural spots to create a positive atmosphere

• immerse the player in natural environments

• in man-made environments, add greenery and natural objects

• use rounded shapes to create aesthetically pleasing VEs

• design VEs conveying safety

• use bright or pastel colors to create aesthetically pleasing VEs

• yellow induces joy, whereas green evokes relaxation and comfort

• use soft textures with high fidelity

• create illuminated daytime scenes by predominantly using sunlights

• use warm light tones and balance them

• feeling embodied in an environment might increase the relevance of the surrounding object to oneself

• effect of virtual embodiment might be different for negative and positive valent stimuli

• feeling embodied may increase the sensation of being able to control the surrounding environment

-> intensifying emotional response by providing embodiment

-> relevant for therapy, entertainment, cooperative work