Determining effects of virtually and physically present co‐actor in evoking social facilitation

Abstract This study investigated whether a virtually present co‐actor (VPC) can evoke social facilitation effect in visual search tasks. The conducted experiment employed a 2 (target presence: present, absent) × 2 (task difficulty: easy, difficult) × 3 (social presence: alone, VPC, physically present co‐actor, PPC) within‐subject design. Twelve male university students participated in the experiment. Results showed that a VPC evoked social facilitation effect in visual search tasks, that is, shortened (lengthened) response time when easy (difficult) tasks were completed. Intensities of social facilitation effect induced by VPC and PPC showed similar strengths. However, both VPC and PPC presented no significant influence on response accuracy. These findings provide guidance in designing work organization modes for a team or a group performing tasks of different difficulty levels.