Chenxinran Elise Shen

Chenxinran Elise Shen

PhD Student

My research focuses on Computer Mediated Communication (CMC), Creativity Support and Human-AI Collaboration, particularly on how alterations in voice and visual presentation influence self-perception and perceptions of others. I create and evaluate LLM-powered and VR-based interactive systems, combining system design, prototyping, and mixed-method user studies to evaluate how they shape user perceptions, social interactions, real world usability and trust. I received two Honorable Mention Awards at CHI 2024 and CHI 2021 as the first author 🏆.

I am currently a PhD student in Computer Science at the University of Toronto, working with Prof. Daniel Wigdor. I also worked with Prof. Robert Xiao at the University of British Columbia.

Prior to this, I completed my Master’s degree in Computer Science at the University of British Columbia, under the co-supervision of Prof. Joanna McGrenere and Prof. Dongwook Yoon.

Contact: elise@cs.toronto.edu

Interests
  • Human-AI Interaction
  • Creativity Support
  • Computer Mediated Communication (CMC)
  • Virtual Reality (VR)
Education
  • Ph.D in Computer Science (in progress)

    University of Toronto

  • M.Sc.in Computer Science

    University of British Columbia (Vancouver Campus)

  • BSc in Computer Science

    University of Toronto (St.George Campus)

Publications

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Human Cooperation in the Age of AI-Augmentation
Chenxinran Shen, Robin Welsch, Jurgis Karpus, Thomas Kosch, Steeven Villa
Augmented Human 2025
Human Cooperation in the Age of AI-Augmentation
AI Makes You Smarter, But None The Wiser: The Disconnect Between Performance and Metacognition
Daniela Fernandes, Steeven Villa, Salla Nicholls, Otso Haavisto, Daniel Buschek, Albrecht Schmidt, Thomas Kosch, Chenxinran Shen, Robin Welsch
Computers in Human Behavior
AI Makes You Smarter, But None The Wiser: The Disconnect Between Performance and Metacognition
LegacySphere: Facilitating Intergenerational Communication Through Perspective-Taking and Storytelling in Embodied VR
Chenxinran Shen, Joanna McGrenere, Dongwook Yoon
In Proceedings of the 2024 CHI Conference on Human Factors in Computing Systems 2024
LegacySphere: Facilitating Intergenerational Communication Through Perspective-Taking and Storytelling in Embodied VR
Navigating Oversharing: Designing AI-Mediated Communication for Boundary Awareness and Self-Reflection
Chenxinran Shen, Michael Yin, Angela Chiang, Robert Xiao
In Proceedings of the 2026 CHI Conference on Human Factors in Computing Systems 2026
In Submission
Navigating Oversharing: Designing AI-Mediated Communication for Boundary Awareness and Self-Reflection
ReciproCast: Enhancing Podcast Listening Experiences with LLM-Simulated Podcast Speakers
Kieran Kasha, Chenxinran Shen, Sangho Suh, Tovi Grossman, Bryan Wang
In Proceedings of the 2026 CHI Conference on Human Factors in Computing Systems 2026
In Submission
ReciproCast: Enhancing Podcast Listening Experiences with LLM-Simulated Podcast Speakers
Seeking Soulmate via Voice: Understanding Promises and Challenges of Online Synchronized Voice-Based Mobile Dating
Chenxinran Shen, Yan Xu, Ray LC, Zhicong Lu
In Proceedings of the 2024 CHI Conference on Human Factors in Computing Systems 2024
Best Paper Honorable Mention (Top 5%) 🏆
Seeking Soulmate via Voice: Understanding Promises and Challenges of Online Synchronized Voice-Based Mobile Dating
Swapping Bodies, Sharing Minds: Designing VR Body-Swap Experiences to Explore Relationship Dynamics in Couples
Chenxinran Shen, Xincheng Huang, Dieter Frehlich, Robert Xiao
In Proceedings of the 2026 CHI Conference on Human Factors in Computing Systems 2026
In Submission
Swapping Bodies, Sharing Minds: Designing VR Body-Swap Experiences to Explore Relationship Dynamics in Couples
Understanding How Social Media Users Perceive And React To Rank Control Over Trending Topic List
Chenxinran Shen, Bingjian Huang, Boyuan Wang, Zhicong Lu
In Proceedings of the 2026 CHI Conference on Human Factors in Computing Systems 2026
In Submission
Understanding How Social Media Users Perceive And React To Rank Control Over Trending Topic List
Understanding Secret Use of Large Language Models
Zhiping Zhang, Chenxinran Shen, Bingsheng Yao, Dakuo Wang, Tianshi Li
Proceedings of the ACM on Human-Computer Interaction, 5(CSCW) (to appear at CSCW 2024) 2024
Understanding Secret Use of Large Language Models
The Labor of Fun: Understanding the Social Relationships between Gamers and Paid Gaming Teammates in China
Chenxinran Shen, Zhicong Lu, Travis Faas, Daniel Wigdor
In Proceedings of the 2021 CHI Conference on Human Factors in Computing Systems 2021
Best Paper Honorable Mention (Top 5%) 🏆
The Labor of Fun: Understanding the Social Relationships between Gamers and Paid Gaming Teammates in China
More Kawaii than a Real-Person Streamer: Understanding How the Otaku Community Engages with and Perceives Virtual YouTubers
Zhicong Lu, Chenxinran Shen, Jiannan Li, Hong Shen, Daniel Wigdor
In Proceedings of the 2021 CHI Conference on Human Factors in Computing Systems 2021
More Kawaii than a Real-Person Streamer: Understanding How the Otaku Community Engages with and Perceives Virtual YouTubers
Positive Energy: Perceptions and Attitudes Towards COVID-19 Information on Social Media in China
Zhicong Lu,Yue Jiang, Chenxinran Shen, Margaret Jack, Daniel Wigdor, Mor Naauman
Proceedings of the ACM on Human-Computer Interaction, 5(CSCW) (to appear at CSCW 2021) 2021
Positive Energy: Perceptions and Attitudes Towards COVID-19 Information on Social Media in China