Week 5 Article Reflections (February 10th)

Happy Valentine's week! Pray for any elementary school teachers you know this week. I just know it will be filled with chaos and love 🩷

Article 1: What drives technology-enhanced storytelling immersion? The role of digital humans

We learned last week that when technology enhances storytelling, learning takes on a whole new meaning. Instead of just listening to or reading a story, audiences can experience it in ways that feel interactive and engaging. Just this week, I watched AI videos on TikTok from the point of view of "you wake up as a coal miner in 1905". It was SO cool. (The account is @histairy_films if you're interested in seeing some!) In What Drives Technology-Enhanced Storytelling Immersion? The Role of Digital Humans, Sung et al. (2022) explore how digital humans and AI-generated avatars impact storytelling and audience engagement. One of the most interesting aspects of this study is how digital humans are not just used for content delivery but are also becoming storytellers themselves! The study examines two key questions: Can digital humans create immersive storytelling experiences? And do audiences connect with them in the same way they do with real people? The findings suggest that digital human storytelling can engage audiences effectively, particularly in marketing contexts. However, challenges like emotional authenticity, audience skepticism, and more all shape how people respond to AI-generated storytellers. What struck me most was how this research connects to broader conversations about AI, creativity, and authenticity. In classrooms, for example, we constantly emphasize storytelling to make learning more meaningful. Could digital humans be used to create immersive learning experiences, helping students engage with content in new ways? Imagine history lessons where AI-generated figures “tell” their own stories or literature lessons where digital avatars bring fictional characters to life. We are currently covering the American Revolution in my 4th grade class and an AI storyteller could help my students better understand the backstory by having a visual to connect with our readings! 

Article 2: ‘What lies behind the filter?’ Uncovering the motivations for using augmented reality (AR) face filters on social media and their effect on well-being

Augmented reality (AR) face filters are everywhere like Snapchat, Instagram, and TikTok. I still remember when the first ones appeared on Snapchat! I was in high school at the time and they seriously were all the rage. Researchers are now asking questions like what’s really driving their use? And how do they impact well-being? These are the questions explored in What Lies Behind the Filter? Uncovering the Motivations for Using Augmented Reality (AR) Face Filters on Social Media and Their Effect on Well-being by Javornik et al. (2022). One of the most interesting takeaways from the study is that AR filters aren’t just about fun. People use them for a mix of self-expression, social connection, and self-enhancement. Some people see filters as a creative tool, while others use them to boost confidence. If you are my 4 year-old niece, she really just needs to see what she looks like as a puppy! The study highlights that while these effects can be empowering and fun, they also come with risks, especially when filters promote unrealistic beauty standards. The findings suggest that AR filters can enhance self-esteem in the short term but may lead to negative effects over time, particularly when users start feeling pressure to match their filtered selves in real life. This leads to the question then of whether filters are just another form of digital creativity or are they fueling unrealistic beauty ideals. As I read, I kept thinking about how these findings might apply to younger users like my students, and even my niece. Kids and teens are growing up in a world where filters and digital alterations are the norm for them. How does this shape their self-image? While the study focuses on social media, it makes me wonder about the potential for AR in education. Could filters be used in positive ways, like making learning more interactive or engaging? This study reinforces the idea that AR is a powerful tool, but its impact depends on how we use it. Filters can be fun and creative, but they can also distort reality. As AR technology evolves, we need to continue to emphasize to students that the real-life them is the true person they are, not the digitally created icon. 

Article 3: I want it my way! The effect of perceptions of personalization through augmented reality and online shopping on customer intentions to co-create value

The study by Alimamy and Gnoth (2022) explores how personalized experiences in online shopping, mainly through augmented reality (AR), influence customers' willingness to engage in value co-creation. The research examines the role of perceived personalization in enhancing customer engagement and intentions to co-create value. By utilizing AR technology, online retailers can offer personalized shopping experiences that resonate with individual customers,  which fosters a sense of involvement and collaboration in the value creation process. I have seen a few versions of this idea when doing online shopping myself. For example, when shopping for furniture, some retailers will offer the "View in Your Space" option, where you can use the camera to virtually drop the furniture into your room. Or in other cases, when shopping for makeup online, there is sometimes the option to "Try it On Yourself". I have never taken advantage of these types of shopping experiences because I'm not sure how successful the process will be and feel like it would just be a waste of time in the end. After all, how accurate can it be?The findings of the study, however, suggest that when customers have a high level of personalization in their online shopping experience, facilitated by AR, they are more likely to work with the retailer. This might look like providing feedback, customizing products, or engaging in collaborative design processes. Alimamy and Gnoth (2022) highlight the importance of integrating personalized AR experiences in online retail strategies to enhance customer engagement and foster collaborative value creation. As technology continues to evolve, the role of personalization in customer interactions is likely to become increasingly significant. I may just have to give it a try myself!

Resources

Sung, E. (C.), Han, D.-I. D., Bae, S., & Kwon, O. (2022). What drives technology-enhanced storytelling immersion? The role of digital humans. Computers in Human Behavior, 129, 107151.

Javornik, A., Marder, B., Barhorst, J. B., McLean, G., Rogers, Y., & Marshall, P. (2022). What lies behind the filter? Uncovering the motivations for using augmented reality (AR) face filters on social media and their effect on well-being. Computers in Human Behavior, 128, 107126.

Alimamy, S., & Gnoth, J. (2022). I want it my way! The effect of perceptions of personalization through augmented reality and online shopping on customer intentions to co-create value. Computers in Human Behavior, 128, 107105.