Artificial Facial Mimicry in Immersive Virtual Reality
Abstract
Artificial facial mimicry (AFM) is increasingly used to enhance social interaction with virtual agents in immersive virtual reality. However, its psychological and ethical implications remain insufficiently explored. This article conceptualizes AFM as an effective and embodied intervention, examining the role of emotional congruence, individual differences, and clinical vulnerability in shaping user responses. We further outline methodological directions involving physiological measures and embodied coordination. By framing AFM within affective computing and embodied cognition, this work contributes to the responsible design of emotionally adaptive virtual agents.
Fields of Study & Subjects
Social Robot Interaction and HRI
Virtual Reality Applications and Impacts
Emotion and Mood Recognition
Publication details
- Journal / source
- IEEE Transactions on Visualization and Computer Graphics
- Volume
- 32
- Issue
- 7
- Pages
- 7413–7414
- Publication date
- 29 January 2026
- Language
- EN