Laboratory Life
Date: January 23th - 24th, 2026 Location: Ritsumeikan University, Osaka Ibaraki Campus, H Building, Room H802
Overview
Mr. Iwano and Ms. Mori presented their research at the Human Communication Society (HCS) conference!
<発表内容>
Presenter:Tomoaki Iwano
Title: Examining the Proteus Effect through Voice Translation in Virtual Space
Abstract: In the metaverse, the phenomenon in which users' behavior changes in accordance with the characteristics of their avatars is known as the Proteus effect. Previous studies have primarily focused on avatars' visual characteristics. In this study, we newly conceptualize language as an avatar characteristic and investigate the effects of transforming conversational language through speech translation on users. Specifically, we developed a multilingual voice communication environment. Within this environment, we conducted a conversational experiment using negotiation task and quantitatively measured changes in the negotiation attitudes of Japanese speakers under conditions with and without speech translation. The results of the analysis indicate that Japanese speakers exhibited a tendency toward more restrained negotiation attitudes when receiving feedback in Chinese.
Presentation Slides:
<発表内容>
Presenter:Yuria Mori
Title: Effects of Voice Changer on Speaker Behavior in the Metaverse
Abstract:A voice changer alters a speaker’s vocal characteristics in a metaverse environment and is a factor that can influence self-representation and interpersonal behavior. However, changes in voice do not necessarily lead to direct behavioral modification, and the way such effects manifest may vary depending on the nature of the task and the relationship with the interaction partner. Therefore, this study focuses on changes in self-representation induced by the use of a voice changer and conducts experiments targeting self-disclosure behavior and negotiation behavior, while considering both the speaker’s gender and the partner’s gender. Through this approach, the study aims to clarify the possibility that changes in voice influence behavior indirectly through the selection of interpersonal strategies.