Role:
A bit of everything
In this section, I’ll share a few of my research projects. Two are from my undergraduate thesis work in Sociology with a minor at HKU, and the third is from my MSc in Human-Computer Interaction at Tallinn University. The topics range from emotional feedback in exercise games, to how people navigate dating apps, to mental health and technology
2021-2025
1. The Impact of Music on User Engagement in Exergaming: A study of Ring Fit Adventure
This study explores how background music—specifically instrumental versus vocal high-tempo music—affects user engagement and perceived exertion in augmented reality exercise games. The research focuses on non-diegetic sound (background music) and its role in shaping gameplay experiences within RingFit Adventure, an AR-based exercise game.
Key Research Questions
How does background music, as a form of non-diegetic auditory feedback, influence user engagement in exercise games?
Does the presence of lyrics in high-tempo music impact perceived exertion compared to instrumental music during gameplay?
Key Findings
No significant difference was found between vocal and instrumental music in terms of user engagement.
Perceived exertion levels were not significantly affected by the type of background music.
Read the Original:
https://www.etera.ee/zoom/205273/view?page=1&p=separate&tool=info
2. Tinder: An online dating community with diverse erotic plasticity and the emergence of hookup culture among college students
This is a sociology-based qualitative study exploring hookup culture on Tinder. The research uses online ethnography, chosen for its convenience in sampling and accessibility to first-hand data. The primary method is semi-structured interviews with seven participants, aimed at investigating the following questions:
Key Research Questions:
Does Tinder transform the nature of dating and courtship, or simply serve as a platform for initiating romantic interactions?
What role do sexual encounters play in this transformation?
Key Findings:
Love Hunting – Some women felt misled by men presenting themselves as seeking serious relationships.
Fake Profiles – Users with lower perceived attractiveness use deceptive profiles to improve their chances.
“Next One Is Better” Mentality – Many profiles promote high-status imagery, reflecting a culture of constant comparison and choice overload.
Read the Original:
3. Crystal clear: A self-discovery journey through digital storytelling and self-empowerment workshop
This project, part of HKU’s CAES2002: Digital Storytelling in English course, explored how gratitude journaling and vlogging could support students' mental health and digital storytelling skills during the pandemic. It involved 20 students and was later published by HERDSA (Higher Education Research and Development Society of Australasia).
Key Research Questions
Can gratitude-focused storytelling improve students’ emotional well-being and resilience?
Does the practice enhance digital communication skills and self-awareness?
Key Findings
Improved mental health, with higher mood, life satisfaction, and resilience.
Enhanced storytelling skills, especially in video editing and online presentation.
Increased self-awareness and peer connection through shared vlogging.