Social VR Experiences Study
The Social VR Experiences Study (Lead: Dr. Shu Wei) integrates virtual reality with real-time physiological sensing to better understand health-related behaviors among young adults. Using a bespoke VR environment combined with behavioral and physiological data streams, the study explores how immersive technologies can capture meaningful patterns that extend beyond traditional self-report measures. With data collection now underway, this work aims to advance a new generation of scalable, non-invasive tools for early detection and prevention of addiction risk, bringing us closer to real-time, personalized interventions that can support improved youth health outcomes. To learn more or participate click here.
Wei, S., Van, S., Shia, C., Gancz, M., Camenga, D., Aneni, K., ... & Hieftje, K. (2026). Psychophysiological Responses in Virtual Reality for Assessing Current Nicotine Use and Future Addiction Risk Among Young Adults: Protocol for a Mixed Methods Study. JMIR Research Protocols, 15(1), e89382. https://www.researchprotocols.org/2026/1/e89382