Affective-Relational Practices of Mirror-Dwelling in Social VR: A Processual Account
Full citation (APA): Bujić, M., Thibault, M. & Hamari, J. (2026). Self-representation does (not) spark joy: Experiment on effects of avatar customisation and personality on emotions in VR. In 10th International GamiFIN conference. ACM.
Abstract: Social Virtual Reality (VR) platforms are often described as proto-metaverses that push the boundaries of computer-mediated interaction. One of such ground-breaking practices is "mirror dwelling", a situated social phenomenon in which users congregate around virtual mirrors for extended periods of time. We investigate this as a complex affective-relational practice and a site of negotiation of the self, sociality, and community.
Drawing on a reflexive thematic analysis of user discussions, we identify six interrelated themes: Virtual Self, Mirrored Practicalities, Being Together, Emotional & Social Skills, Sociocultural Norms, and Problematic Behaviours. Together, these themes illustrate how mirror dwelling provides personal affective comfort, enables relational co-presence, and evolves into a communal social practice.
Our contributions are threefold: (1) A processual framework that maps how virtual mirrors extend from individual tools for embodiment into sites of collective sociality and cultural negotiation; (2) Theoretical insights that move beyond individual user motivations to explain how virtual affordances function as "social anchors" facilitating emotional processes and negotiations of group cohesion in immersive environments; and (3) Design considerations for social VR that recognise mirrors as affective and relational affordances essential for supporting user comfort, connection, and community building.
