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Self-Similarity Beats Agency in Augmented Reality Body Weight Perception

, , , and . IEEE Transactions on Visualization and Computer Graphics (TVCG), IEEE VR 25 special issue, (2025)To be published.

Abstract

This paper investigates if and how self-similarity and having agency impact sense of embodiment, self-identification, and body weight estimation in Augmented Reality (AR). We conducted a 2x2 mixed design experiment involving 60 participants who interacted with either synchronously moving virtual humans or independently moving ones, each with self-similar or generic appearances, across two consecutive AR sessions. Participants evaluated their sense of embodiment, self-identification, and body weight perception of the virtual human. Our results show that self-similarity significantly enhanced sense of embodiment, self-identification, and the accuracy of body weight estimates with the virtual human. However, the effects of having agency over virtual human movements were notably weaker in these measures than in similar VR studies. Further analysis indicated that not only the virtual human itself but also the participants' body weight, self-esteem, and body shape concerns predict body weight estimates across all conditions. Our work advances the understanding of virtual human body weight perception in AR systems, emphasizing the importance of factors such as coherence with the real-world environment.

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