Utilizing AR in Interactive Art to Create Networks of Happiness Sharing in Online Communities

In today’s high-stress socio-economic climate, exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, emotional well-being is increasingly at risk. This study explores the potential of Augmented Reality (AR) in interactive art to foster happiness and strengthen social connections in online communities. By embedding AR codes within artistic works, users engage with designed characters that evoke joy, bridging the gap between physical and virtual experiences. The project has two primary objectives: (1) To serve as a medium for transmitting happiness from the physical world to the online world, creating a continuous cycle of joy, and (2) To design an artistic piece focused on the concept of sharing happiness with others. Through an analysis of color, lighting, and symbolic elements, the study examines how multimedia design influences user engagement. To evaluate the effectiveness of the interactive art, we measured user participation through a combination of quantitative surveys (assessing emotional impact) and qualitative feedback (analyzing social media engagement). The results showed that 40 participants rated the visual elements (color, lighting, and design) as highly impactful, with an average satisfaction score of 4.5/5 (SD = 0.23). Additionally, 5 experts in the field of art and media praised the work for its innovative use of AR technology in creating an emotional connection. Early findings suggest a significant increase in positive emotional responses and community sharing of experiences online, with 85% of users reporting an improvement in mood after interacting with the AR installation. This research highlights the potential of AR-driven interactive art as a medium for emotional upliftment and social connectivity, with measurable impacts on user well-being and online engagement.