Blending Social Interaction Realms: Harmonizing Online and Offline Interactions through Augmented Reality

Online social media has revolutionized human interaction by fostering unparalleled cooperation and connectivity, surpassing the bounds of conventional, location-based methods. Despite their inherent limitations—such as physical boundaries, ongoing maintenance expenses, and rigidity—traditional methods impart a vital local context often neglected by digital platforms, potentially overshadowing local environmental engagement in favor of broader online networks. To mitigate this imbalance, it is essential to revitalize the significance of location-specific interactions. Augmented Reality (AR) stands out as a powerful means to enhance the accessibility and allure of such engagements. In this context, our research involved a detailed review and synthesis of existing location-based interactive services, pinpointing prevalent obstacles as well as offering strategic recommendations. Building upon these findings, we innovated ARMessageBoard, a prototype fusing AR with users’ immediate surroundings to craft virtual message boards. Our within-subjects study comprised 15 participants with an average age of 21.2 years (SD=5.5), systematically comparing ARMessageBoard with standard location-based mechanisms. Furthermore, we deliberated how blending AR with online social media could positively influence the convergence of virtual and real-world interaction landscapes, potentially enriching the individual’s role in shaping socio-digital exchanges.