Me, the Elephant, and the Virtual World: Exploring Copresence in VR
Jisu Park, So-youn Jang, Jay David Bolter · Proceedings of the ACM on Human-Computer Interaction · 2025
Fostering mindful relationships with nature is crucial for addressing the environmental crisis. Virtual Reality (VR) shows potential for ecological engagement, but its impact depends on how nature is framed and experienced. This paper explores copresence, the feeling of togetherness, as a design approach for cultivating reciprocal and attentive interactions with nonhuman entities. Drawing on expert interviews, we developed Eyes of the Wild, a VR wildlife experience. In a between-subjects study (n = 32), we examined how copresence, manipulated by enabling or disabling mutual awareness and behavioral responsiveness (e.g., animals responding to user presence), might support nature-connectedness. Surveys showed pre-post improvements across both conditions, with no significant differences between groups. However, qualitative findings revealed nuanced engagement patterns, including temporal-spatial dynamics, perceptual asymmetries, and the complexities of copresent interactions, which shaped participants' sense of trust and connection with nonhuman others. These insights underscore the potential and challenges of leveraging copresence for nature-centric VR.