VR Reading Revolution: Decoding User Intentions Through Task-Technology Fit and Emotional Resonance

Abstract

VR technology is increasingly being integrated into daily life, with virtual book communities emerging as novel platforms for immersive reading and interaction. This study investigates how internal and external factors jointly influence users’ usage intention from psychological and behavioral science perspectives. A multivariate structural equation model based on three-dimensional perception theory was developed and tested through a survey of individuals with prior VR reading experience. The model examines the roles of task–technology fit, privacy and security risks, emotional resonance, self-expression, and the sense of belonging. The results reveal that task–technology fit positively influences usage intention, while privacy and security risk has a negative effect. Internally, emotional resonance and a sense of belonging significantly enhance usage intention. Furthermore, emotional resonance mediates the relationship between self-expression and both sense of belonging and usage intention, while sense of belonging also mediates between emotional resonance and usage intention. These findings underscore the critical interplay between technical attributes and affective factors in shaping engagement with VR-based reading platforms. This study offers new insights into user acceptance mechanisms in virtual book communities, and provides a theoretical foundation and practical implications for enhancing user experience and adoption in digital library systems.