Virtual reality (VR) technology has enabled new forms of social interaction, including romantic relationships in virtual environments. This study explores the concept of "cyberromance" in VR and its effects on social connections. A survey of 305 VR users and 15 in-depth interviews were conducted to investigate the experiences of individuals engaged in cyberromantic relationships. The results show that cyberromance in VR can have both positive and negative effects on social connections. On the one hand, cyberromance can provide a sense of intimacy and social support, particularly for individuals who are isolated or have difficulty forming relationships in real life. On the other hand, excessive engagement in cyberromance can lead to social isolation and decreased motivation to form and maintain relationships in the physical world.
Computers in Human Behavior
2020
S. G. B. Rasmussen, M. T. Kristensen, and E. F. Søndergaard Cyberromance VR
10.1016/j.chb.2019.12.012