Mel Slater (UB)

Title: Using VR to Change the Self.

Abstract:
Using immersive virtual reality it is possible to visually substitute the body of a person by a virtual body that is spatially coincident with their real body seen from first person perspective and that moves synchronously with their own movements. This typically leads to a perceptual illusion of ownership over that virtual body. Over the past few years, we have studied how the form of the body influences aspects of their physiology, attitudes, behaviours and cognition. Here we will introduce the topic of virtual body ownership, and discuss examples of how this has been used both for personal enhancement and for changing attitudes and behaviors.