Aims: This study examined the speed of approach-avoidance actions in virtual reality (VR) as an indicator of psychological “readiness” to interact with social avatars.

Aims: This study examined the speed of approach-avoidance actions in virtual reality (VR) as an indicator of psychological “readiness” to interact with social avatars.

Methods: Given that fast response is a key psychological factor reflecting a user’s interest, motivation, and willingness to engage, we analyzed the response time of pulling or pushing inputs, typical actions showing approach-avoidance tendency, via bare-hand interaction in VR. We specifically investigated how the response time varied according to participants’ social resources, particularly the richness of their social lives characterized by broader networks of friends, social groups, and frequent interactions.

Results: Results showed that participants with richer social lives exhibited faster pulling (vs. pushing) actions toward both same- and opposite-sex avatars. These effects remained significant regardless of participants’ gender, age, and prior VR experience. Notably, the observed effects were specific to social stimuli (i.e., avatars) and were not revealed with non-social stimuli (i.e., a flag). Additionally, the effects did not occur with other indirect interactions (i.e., a mouse wheel or a virtual joystick).

Conclusion: The findings suggest that social resources may facilitate approach-oriented bodily affordances in VR environments.