Date of Award

Spring 5-23-2021

Degree Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Arts (MA)

Department

Media Studies

Advisor(s)

Chock, T. Makana

Keywords

Breaks in Presence, Presence, Risk Perception, Virtual Reality

Subject Categories

Communication | Mass Communication | Social and Behavioral Sciences

Abstract

Dwelling on presence theory and breaks in presence theory, the purpose of this study is to investigate how real-world risks may affect people's use of VR devices. A two-group comparison experimental design (N=51) was adopted to test how a less ideal play environment with potential risks can affect people's experience in using virtual reality compared to an ideal VR playing set up. The results suggest that people in a less ideal play environment with potential risks tend to pay less attention to the VR content as well as enjoy the experience less compared to an ideal VR playing set up. People in a less ideal VR playing set up tend to have a higher level of concern about the risks related to the use of VR devices.Keywords: Virtual Reality, Risk perception, Presence, Breaks in Presence

Access

Open Access

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