How Augmented Reality (AR) Can Reduce Loneliness
- Zaid Ahmed
- Mar 2
- 3 min read
The Winter Loneliness Challenge
Winter can be a particularly isolating time, especially for individuals with disabilities who may face mobility challenges, limited outdoor access, and fewer opportunities for social engagement. As technology advances, researchers are exploring digital solutions to bridge this gap and foster social connection during colder months.
Dr. Swati Mehta and Mr. Miteshkumar Chaudhary are working on Augmented Reality (AR) based applications designed to enhance wellbeing and reduce isolation. Augmented Reality is an emerging technology that overlays digital elements such as images, sounds or interactive objects, onto the real world, allowing users to engage with virtual content while remaining in their physical environment. This is different from Virtual Reality (VR), which completely immerses users into a fully digital world, often requiring headsets and controllers that replace their real-world surroundings.
Swati and Mitesh are extensively knowledgeable in rehabilitation psychology and how technology can support mental health and accessibility; specifically, they are focusing on game development and digital applications for immersive experiences. Together, they are leading efforts to make AR a practical, interactive tool for fostering connection and improving quality of life.
Why AR Over VR?
Virtual Reality (VR) is widely known for its ability to immerse users in digital environments through headsets like Meta Quest. However, its accessibility remains a concern: VR headsets can sometimes cost over $2,000, making them financially inaccessible for many individuals. Additionally, VR often requires stationary participation which can limit physical movement and real-world engagement.
In contrast, Augmented Reality (AR) overlays digital elements onto the real world. It can also be accessed through common devices like smartphones or tablets, making it far more practical, inclusive and cheaper. In an interview with Mitesh and Swati, Mitesh explained AR as “basically seeing the real world, but with an overlay of a virtual world on top of it. The goal is to have your own environment and add objects according to your own needs, making it more natural and comfortable for users.”
This ability to blend virtual elements with real-world settings makes AR an excellent tool for fostering social connection, especially for those who may struggle with isolation.
Using Augmentative Reality to Reduce Isolation
AR for Chronic Pain and Guided Meditation
A key AR projects involves guided meditation and pain management for individuals experiencing chronic pain or anxiety. The application transforms a user’s surroundings into calming, immersive environments like forests, beaches, or mountain landscapes without requiring VR headsets.
How does it work?
The app replaces a user’s background with a natural environment using AR.
Users engage in guided meditation and breathing exercises to promote relaxation.
Soothing natural sounds are played to enhance the immersive experience.
During our interview, Swati highlighted the impact of these AR applications: “We found that creating online environments for people really helped with isolation and stress. By combining augmentative reality and guided meditation, we hope to provide accessible tools to improve mental wellbeing, especially for those who may struggle to leave their homes.”
AR for Social Connection: Beyond Just Talking
One of the future goals is to create cooperative AR-based experiences that foster community and shared activities rather than competition.
Potential applications include:
AR-supported virtual walks: Users could see each other’s avatars in real time while walking outdoors.
Collaborative AR environments: Participants could co-create a virtual garden or design community spaces together in AR.
Personalized interaction: Individuals could customize their own AR environments, making social engagement more meaningful (for example, going on a picnic together).
Swati explains the importance of cooperation over competition in AR design: “It’s not just about talking, it’s about presence. We want users to feel like someone is truly there with them, whether it’s walking in their neighborhood or collaborating on a project.”
By prioritizing shared experiences and collaboration over passive interaction and competition, AR can foster deeper social connections and help mitigate loneliness. Swati and Mitesh are committed to expanding AR’s role in fostering social connection. In the coming years, the team hopes to develop more interactive, user driven AR solutions that allow individuals to customize their environments, engage in cooperative activities, and enhance their sense of community.
A New and Promising Way to Stay Connected!
Loneliness, particularly during the winter, remains a significant challenge for individuals with disabilities. While Virtual Reality (VR) has been explored as a solution, Augmented Reality (AR) offers a more practical, accessible, and interactive alternative.
Researchers like Swati and Mitesh are pioneering AR-based tools to combat isolation through guided meditation, cooperative social experiences, and interactive engagement.
With AR technology continuing to evolve, its potential to foster meaningful social connection, improve mental wellbeing, and empower individuals to design their own environments is more promising than ever!
