Virtual reality for self-disclosure: Comparing user experiences across VR, video and text chat
Author Identifier (ORCID)
Shane L. Rogers: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6869-3400
Abstract
Recent advances in virtual reality (VR) have created new opportunities for remote psychological therapy. However, direct comparisons with traditional communication methods remains limited. This study investigated participant experiences disclosing personal events via video chat, VR chat, and text chat. Fifty psychology students rated comfort, calmness, anonymity, privacy, focus, non-verbal cue clarity, presence, and overall suitability for therapy in each mode. Video chat was preferred overall, particularly for comfort, non-verbal clarity, and focus. VR chat, conducted in an immersive garden environment using avatars, matched video chat in calmness and presence. Text chat ranked highest for anonymity and privacy due to absent visual cues. Despite current limitations, a noteworthy subgroup indicated preference for VR chat as an alternative option to face-to-face therapy (~20%). Findings highlight the potential for VR chat as a complementary teletherapy option, that justifies future research into optimized VR environments and enhanced avatar realism for therapeutic applications.
Document Type
Journal Article
Date of Publication
1-1-2025
Publication Title
Journal of Technology in Behavioral Science
Publisher
Springer
School
School of Arts and Humanities
Copyright
subscription content
Comments
Rogers, S. L., Pallister, A., & Canes, N. (2025). Virtual reality for self-disclosure: Comparing user experiences across VR, video and text chat. Journal of Technology in Behavioral Science. Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.1007/s41347-025-00574-3