When Filters Escape the Smartphone: Exploring Acceptance and Concerns Regarding Augmented Expression of Social Identity for Everyday AR

Bonner, J., Mathis, F., O'Hagan, J. and McGill, M. (2023) When Filters Escape the Smartphone: Exploring Acceptance and Concerns Regarding Augmented Expression of Social Identity for Everyday AR. In: 29th ACM Symposium on Virtual Reality Software and Technology (VRST 2023), Christchurch, New Zealand, 9-11 October 2023, p. 14. ISBN 9798400703287 (doi: 10.1145/3611659.3615707)

Abstract

Mass adoption of Everyday Augmented Reality (AR) glasses will enable pervasive augmentation of our expression of social identity through AR filters, transforming our perception of self and others. However, despite filters’ prominent and often problematic usage in social media, research has yet to reflect on the potential impact AR filters might have when brought into everyday life. Informed by our survey of 300 existing popular AR filters used on Snapchat, Instagram and Tiktok, we conducted an AR-in-VR user study where participants (N=24) were exposed to 18 filters across six categories. We evaluated the social acceptability of these augmentations around others and attitudes towards an individual’s augmented self.Our findings highlight 1) how users broadly respected another individual’s augmented self; 2) positive use cases, such as supporting the presentation of gender identity; and 3) tensions around applying AR filters to others (e.g. censorship, changing protected characteristics) and their impact on self-perception (e.g. perpetuating unrealistic beauty standards). We raise questions regarding the rights of individuals to augment and be augmented that provoke the need for further consideration of AR augmentations in society.

• Item Type: Conference Proceedings
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Bonner, Ms Jolie and O'Hagan, Mr Joseph and McGill, Dr Mark
• Authors: Bonner, J., Mathis, F., O'Hagan, J., and McGill, M.
• College/School: College of Science and Engineering > School of Computing Science
• ISBN: 9798400703287
• Copyright Holders: Copyright © 2023 The Authors
• Publisher Policy: Reproduced in accordance with the copyright policy of the publisher

Related URLs

• Organisation