Place presence, social presence, co-presence, and satisfaction in virtual worlds

This study investigated the relationship among three types of presences, including place presence, social presence, and co-presence in virtual worlds and their relationship with satisfaction and immersive tendencies of students. Students’ scores on a subjective questionnaire were analyzed. The results indicated that there was a significant relationship among the place presence, social presence, and co-presence. While social presence seemed to affect the satisfaction most, place and co-presence also affected students’ satisfaction in the virtual world. Moreover, immersive tendencies of the students were related to their place and co-presence but not to their social presence. Findings highlighted the important issues for the design of virtual world environments to increase presence and satisfaction of students.

► We examine the relationship among different types of presence in virtual worlds. ► We examine the relationship between presence, immersive tendency, and satisfaction. ► There was a significant relationship among the place, social, and co-presence. ► Immersive tendency was related to place and co-presence but not to social presence. ► Place, social, and co-presence were the predictors of students’ satisfaction.