Augmented reality (AR) enhances a user's perception of reality by adding computer-generated sensory input such as sound, video, graphics to the real world. AR combines technologies like geolocation, video, and internet access to provide real-time data experiences. While few studies have been done, psychologists believe AR shows promise for therapeutic use by allowing exposure to virtual objects and control over their appearance, which could help treat phobias. AR may also benefit education by allowing professors to observe student understanding in real-time through virtual responses above their heads activated by mobile phones. However, more research is still needed to fully understand AR's social and psychological aspects.

1. Augmented Reality
Some Psychological and Social Aspects

2. What is Augmented Reality
(AR)?
A user experience of mediated-reality with the
following characteristics:
It is based on a realtime experience of a physical
real-world situation.
Within the realtime experience, computer-
generated sense stimulation is given to the user
which adds information to the physical real-world
situation.
This technology enhances the user’s perception of
reality, hence the name Augmented Reality.

3. Example Images
Jaguar Concept Windshield

4. Example Images
Swivel by FaceCake

5. Field Trip on Google Glass
Examples

6. Tech Notes
As we have seen in the examples, AR utilizes many
of the common technologies found in smart devices:
Geolocation
Realtime Video
Internet Access
AR combines these to provide real-time data
experiences for users.

7. Psychological Aspects
While few studies have been done on AR, many
psychologists say it “shows great promise for use in
therapeutic settings.”
This is because “AR is attention-grabbing, compelling,
persuasive, and immersive.”
Dr. Shane Pase of the Society of Media Psychology and
Technology sees it as important in the treatment of phobias:
“Imagine being able to expose a patient with arachnophobia to
augmented reality spiders while having full control over the size,
shape, color, and movement of the realistic 3D creatures.
Imagine being able to have the patient interact with these virtual
spiders going as far has having the ability to manipulate their

8. Imagined Phobia Treatments

9. Educational Use
The system requires professors
to wear augmented reality
glasses in order to see virtual
responses to the class activity
above students’ heads.
Students activate the
responses by mobile phone,
allowing them to indicate
whether they are following the
classroom activity.
Researchers at Universidad Carlos III
(Madrid) developed a system for
augmented reality glasses that allows
professors to observe their students’
understanding in realtime.

10. Social Aspects
relationships with the social
aspects of the real-world.

11. Social Aspects

12. References
Ash , Bill and Kathryn Bennett, “Autism, Augmented Reality and the Frontiers of
Technology Innovation.” IEEE Standards Association 04/30/2014.
http://standardsinsight.com/ieee_company_detail/autism-augmented-reality-and-the-frontier
Augmented Reality, http://mashable.com/category/augmented-reality/
Pase, S. Augmented Reality: Future Technology Here Today.
http://www.apa.org/divisions/div46/pase_interview.html
Pase, S. Ethical Considerations in Augmented Reality Applications. EEE
International Journal, 1, 38-45. (2012)
Rutledge, P. Augmented Reality: Brain Based Persuasion Model. EEE International
Journal, 1, 45-57. (2012).