Beyond the Surface: How Depth Alters Face Perception

Research in face perception has predominantly utilized two-dimensional images, which does not fully capture the complexities of human perception as it operates in real-world settings. Previous studies have demonstrated that 3D objects elicit different neural and behavioral responses compared to their 2D counterparts, suggesting a more profound engagement with and processing of real-world objects and environments. Grounded in the understanding that human visual perception has evolved in three-dimensional environments, this research addressed a notable gap in the literature on facial perception. This study investigates the impact of presentation modality (2D vs. 3D) on the perception of facial attractiveness, dominance, and masculinity using virtual reality (VR) technology. Results showed that 3D faces were perceived as slightly more attractive and masculine than 2D faces. Dominance ratings, however, appeared unaffected by dimensionality. Given the small effect sizes, our results should be interpreted viewed cautiously, and further research is needed to clarify the influence of dimensionality on social trait perception.