Project Overview

Virtual representations of ourselves can influence the way we feel and behave. While this phenomenon has been explored heavily in the realms of virtual reality and gaming, little is known about the level of impact increasingly pervasive real-time camera filters can have on how people feel, think, and behave. The prevalence and popularity of these technologies have surged, coupled with greater usage of online communication tools. Motivated by a desire for self-improvement in an age of regular video-based online communication, we conducted a user study to investigate the potential for real-time camera filters to influence emotions, support embodiment illusions, and consequently impact cognitive performance by applying it to the domain of creative thinking.

Approach

A remote, within-subject user study was conducted over Zoom with 21 participants. Each participant experienced a no-filter, child, and inventor filter condition. Participants were asked to complete a series of tasks and questionnaires. They concluded by expressing their views in a semi-structured interview.

Results

The main contributions of this work include the results from a survey (174 responses) on people’s experiences with video-based online communication during the COVID-19 pandemic in the summer of 2020, and the results from a remote user study with 21 participants comparing the impacts a no-filter, child, and inventor filter condition had on their emotions, feelings of embodiment, and on their creativity.

PUblicationS

J. Leong, P. Pataranutaporn, Y. Mao, F. Perteneder, E. Hoque, J. Baker, and P. Maes. Exploring the Use of Real-Time Camera Filters on Embodiment and Cognition. in Proc. CHI'21 EA, ACM, Yokohama, Japan, 2021. 

J. Leong, 2021. "Investigating the Use of Synthetic Media and Real-Time Virtual Camera Filters for Supporting Communication and Creativity,"
Master’s Thesis, Media Arts and Sciences; Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, USA, 2021

ThemeS

Camera Filters, Self-Perception, Embodiment, Creativity

Skills & Technologies

Survey, User Study, Literature Review, Statistical Analysis, Snap Camera Filters, Zoom, Prism

Features

Harvard University - Next Level Lab - Presentation by Dr. Pattie Maes