An inclusive platform for social and physical fitness activities
This comprehensive survey study explores how people use virtual reality for dancing, examining their motivations, experiences, and expectations across a diverse user base.
To understand user motivations, experiences, and requirements for using VR as an inclusive platform for dancing as both a social and physical activity.
Online survey conducted May-June 2021 with 292 participants. Data analyzed using OpenAI's GPT-3 model to identify themes and patterns without human bias.
Participants primarily from North America (49%) and Europe/UK (43%), with 79% male respondents using various VR platforms including VRChat, Beat Saber, and AltspaceVR.
Dancing in VR is a fundamentally different experience from real-world dancing, offering unique benefits for physical and mental well-being while addressing social barriers.
Many participants reported feeling more confident dancing in VR due to anonymity, reduced judgment, and the ability to customize their appearance through avatars. Several users stated they never danced in real life but found freedom to express themselves in VR.
Users experience similar or less physical exhaustion in VR compared to real-world dancing, often due to distraction from the immersive environment. However, heavy headsets contribute to increased physical strain, particularly in longer sessions.
43% of participants don't dance in real life, but 79% use VR for dancing primarily for fun. Users dance more frequently and for longer durations in VR compared to real-world dancing, with 46% dancing several times per week.
VR provides meaningful social experiences that users cannot or do not want to experience in real life. The anonymity and safety of VR platforms enables users to form genuine friendships and romantic relationships through dance communities.
COVID-19 restrictions significantly increased VR dance adoption, with users citing it as their only option for social interaction, fitness, and entertainment while confined to their homes. VR proved to be an effective substitute for real-life events.
"I never danced until I had access to VR, and now it's something I love and look forward to doing."
Using AI-powered analysis, we identified six distinct user motivation profiles for dancing in VR, each with unique needs and expectations.
139 participants (48%)
Entertainment and enjoyment through dancing to music, attending virtual events, and exploring VR worlds.
61 participants (21%)
Exercise and physical health improvement while having fun in an immersive environment.
45 participants (15%)
Making friends, socializing, and connecting with people who share similar interests globally.
19 participants (7%)
Only available option for social interaction and entertainment during COVID-19 lockdowns.
17 participants (6%)
Escape from real-world constraints like chronic pain, autism, social anxiety, or body image issues.
11 participants (4%)
Learning dance, teaching dance, or performing professionally in virtual clubs and dance battles.
VR dance platforms provide significant mental health benefits including reduced social anxiety, increased confidence, and emotional support. Users report feeling energized (164), engaged (58), and inspired (31) after dance sessions.
Dancing in VR offers an engaging alternative to traditional exercise, motivating users who might not otherwise be physically active. The immersive distraction helps users exercise for longer durations with less perceived fatigue.
VR removes physical and social barriers that prevent many people from dancing in real life. It creates inclusive spaces for individuals with disabilities, body image concerns, autism, chronic pain, and social anxiety.
Over 30% of participants want better tracking capabilities, lighter hardware, safer community spaces, and more diverse content. Future systems should focus on full-body tracking, haptic feedback, and larger play spaces.
"VR allows me to meet friends that also love dancing, and it allows me to go to digital music venues and put those dancing skills to use. It's helping me to be more fit, and I just enjoy doing it."
May-June 2021
Conducted online with recruitment through Reddit, Facebook, and Twitter VR communities.
292
Valid participants with VR dance experience after removing 15 incomplete responses.
AI-Powered
OpenAI GPT-3 used to categorize responses and identify themes without human bias.
UGT
Uses and Gratifications Theory applied to understand user motivations and expectations.
Postdoctoral Researcher
INRIA, University of Rennes 2
Full Professor
M2S Lab, INRIA MimeTIC
Assistant Professor
University of Cyprus
Professor
University Rennes 2, INRIA
Published in The Visual Computer (2024), this comprehensive study is available for researchers, developers, and anyone interested in VR dance applications.