Zhicong Lu

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I’m Zhicong Lu (陆志聪, Caleb), an assistant professor of Computer Science at George Mason University. I was an assistant professor at the Department of Computer Science, City University of Hong Kong previously. I finished my PhD in Computer Science under the supervision of Professor Daniel Wigdor. Previously I was a Master of Interdisciplinary Studies of Information and Art Design at Tsinghua University, China, supervised by Professor Ying-Qing Xu and Professor Yuanchun Shi. Before starting my master, I had a bachelor of Electronic Engineering and Game Design at Tsinghua University.

My research interests lie at the intersection of HCI, social computing, computational social science, and machine learning, especially in studying, designing, and building systems that support social interactions, to enhance trust, engagement, creativity, and knowledge sharing in virtual and physical spaces. I am currently exploring how to leverage emerging media (e.g., livestreaming) and generative AI models for sharing knowledge, enhancing creativity, and safeguarding Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH).

For more information, see my CV.


I am looking for talented and highly motivated PhD students and RAs/interns who are interested in social computing and computational social science to join my group at George Mason University, starting in 2025.

If you are interested in working with me, please send me an email with your CV. If you are already enrolled in the GMU-CS program (undergrad or MS) and want to do research in my lab, please feel free to reach out.

Why GMU CS?

As of November 2024, GMU is ranked 33 in CSRankings. GMU CS is fastly growing in the number of faculty members and is increasingly active in top-tier CS conferences.

news

Feb 14, 2025 Five papers accepted to ACM CSCW 2025. Congrats to my students, interns and co-authors!
Jan 19, 2025 Eight papers accepted to ACM CHI 2025. Congrats to my students/interns and co-authors!
Nov 20, 2024 Four papers accepted to ACM CSCW 2025. Congrats to my students and co-authors!
Nov 10, 2024 Our paper Dismantling Gender Blindness in Online Discussion of a Crime/Gender Dichotomy was awarded a DEI Recognition at CSCW 2024. Congratulations to Yigang, Weilun, and Qunfang!
Feb 20, 2024 Our Special Interest Group on Understanding and Overcoming Barriers in Establishing HCI Degree Programs in Asia has been accepted to ACM CHI 2024. Congrats to my co-authors! 🎉🎉🎉

publications

2025

  1. CHI
    “Can’t believe I’m crying over an anime girl”: Public Parasocial Grieving and Coping Towards VTuber Graduation and Termination
    Ken Jen Lee , Piaohong Wang , and Zhicong Lu
    In Proceedings of the 2025 CHI Conference on Human Factors in Computing Systems , 2025
  2. CHI
    How Users Who are Blind or Low Vision Play Mobile Games: Perceptions, Challenges, and Strategies
    Zihe Ran , Xiyu Li , Qing Xiao , Xianzhe Fan , Franklin Mingzhe Li , Yanyun Wang , and Zhicong Lu
    In Proceedings of the 2025 CHI Conference on Human Factors in Computing Systems , 2025
  3. CHI
    Let’s Influence Algorithms Together: How Millions of Fans Build Collective Understanding of Algorithms and Organize Coordinated Algorithmic Actions
    Qing Xiao , Yuhang Zheng , Xianzhe Fan , Bingbing Zhang , and Zhicong Lu
    In Proceedings of the 2025 CHI Conference on Human Factors in Computing Systems , 2025
  4. CHI
    HarmonyCut: Supporting Creative Chinese Paper-cutting Design with Form and Connotation Harmony
    Huanchen Wang , Tianrui Qiu , Jiaping Li , Zhicong Lu, and Yuxin Ma
    In Proceedings of the 2025 CHI Conference on Human Factors in Computing Systems , 2025
  5. CHI
    “Douyin is My Nourishment of the Mind”: Exploring the Infrastructuralization Process of Short Video Sharing Platforms in Rural China
    Yuling Sun , Mingling Tang , Zhicong Lu, and Liang He
    In Proceedings of the 2025 CHI Conference on Human Factors in Computing Systems , 2025
  6. CHI
    User-Driven Value Alignment: Understanding Users’ Perceptions and Strategies for Addressing Biased and Discriminatory Statements in AI Companions
    Xianzhe Fan , Qing Xiao , Xuhai Zhou , Jiaxin Pei , Maarten Sap , Zhicong Lu, and Hong Shen
    In Proceedings of the 2025 CHI Conference on Human Factors in Computing Systems , 2025
  7. CHI
    The Odyssey Journey: Top-Tier Medical Resource Seeking for Specialized Disorder in China
    Ka I Chan , Siying Hu , Yuntao Wang , Xuhai "Orson" Xu , Zhicong Lu, and Yuanchun Shi
    In Proceedings of the 2025 CHI Conference on Human Factors in Computing Systems , 2025
  8. CHI
    ProductMeta: An Interactive System for Metaphorical Product Design Ideation with Multimodal Large Language Models
    Qingyi Zhou , Jie Deng , Yu Liu , Yun Wang , Yan Xia , Yang Ou , Zhicong Lu, Sai Ma , Scarlett Li , and Yingqing Xu
    In Proceedings of the 2025 CHI Conference on Human Factors in Computing Systems , 2025
  9. CSCW
    DanModCap: Designing a Danmaku Moderation Tool for Video-Sharing Platforms that Leverages Impact Captions
    Siying Hu , Huanchen Wang , Yu Zhang , Piaohong Wang , and Zhicong Lu
    Proceedings of the ACM on Human-Computer Interaction (CSCW) (to appear at CSCW 2025), Apr 2025
  10. CSCW
    Douyin as a Memorial Gathering for CoCo: Algorithmic Experiences of Online Collective Mourning
    Luoying Lin , and Zhicong Lu
    Proceedings of the ACM on Human-Computer Interaction (CSCW) (to appear at CSCW 2025), Apr 2025
  11. CSCW
    Behind the Same Mask: Understanding the Practice of Spontaneous Collective Anonymity on Chinese Social Platforms
    Suqi Lou , Weijun Li , Chao Zhang , Shi Chen , Zhicong Lu, and Yaxing Yao
    Proceedings of the ACM on Human-Computer Interaction (CSCW) (to appear at CSCW 2025), Apr 2025
  12. CSCW
    How Social Media Plays A Role in Stay-At-Home-Mom’s Transition: A Case Study in China
    Xinyi Zhang , Minzhu Zhao , Yaxing Yao , and Zhicong Lu
    Proceedings of the ACM on Human-Computer Interaction (CSCW) (to appear at CSCW 2025), Apr 2025

2024

  1. CHI
    "There is a Job Prepared for Me Here": Understanding How Short Video and Live-streaming Platforms Empower Ageing Job Seekers in China
    Piaohong Wang , Siying Hu , Bo Wen , and Zhicong Lu
    In Proceedings of the 2024 CHI Conference on Human Factors in Computing Systems , Apr 2024
  2. CHI
    Metamorpheus: Interactive, Affective, and Creative Dream Narration Through Metaphorical Visual Storytelling
    Qian Wan , Xin Feng , Yining Bei , Zhiqi Gao , and Zhicong Lu
    In Proceedings of the 2024 CHI Conference on Human Factors in Computing Systems , Apr 2024
  3. CHI
    CoPrompt: Supporting Prompt Sharing and Referring in Collaborative Natural Language Programming
    Li Feng , Hen Chen Yen , Yuzhe You , Mingming Fan , Jian Zhao , and Zhicong Lu
    In Proceedings of the 2024 CHI Conference on Human Factors in Computing Systems , Apr 2024
  4. CHI
    Critical Heritage Studies as a Lens to Understand Short Video Sharing of Intangible Cultural Heritage on Douyin
    Huanchen Wang , Minzhu Zhao , Wanyang Hu , Yuxin Ma , and Zhicong Lu
    In Proceedings of the 2024 CHI Conference on Human Factors in Computing Systems , Apr 2024
  5. CHI
    #PoetsOfInstagram: Navigating the Practices and Challenges of Novice Poets on Instagram
    Ankolika De , and Zhicong Lu
    In Proceedings of the 2024 CHI Conference on Human Factors in Computing Systems , Apr 2024
  6. CHI
    Seeking Soulmate via Voice: Understanding Promises and Challenges of Online Synchronized Voice-Based Mobile Dating
    CHI 2024 Best Paper Honourable Mention
    Chenxinran Shen , Yan Xu , Ray LC , and Zhicong Lu
    In Proceedings of the 2024 CHI Conference on Human Factors in Computing Systems , Apr 2024
  7. CHI
    Wrist-bound Guanxi, Jiazu, and Kuolie: Unpacking Chinese Adolescent Smartwatch-Mediated Socialization
    Lanjing Liu , Chao Zhang , and Zhicong Lu
    In Proceedings of the 2024 CHI Conference on Human Factors in Computing Systems , Apr 2024
  8. CHI
    Persuasion or Insulting? Unpacking Discursive Strategies of Gender Debate in Everyday Feminism in China
    Yue Deng , Zheng Chen , Changyang He , Zhicong Lu, and Bo Li
    In Proceedings of the 2024 CHI Conference on Human Factors in Computing Systems , Apr 2024
  9. CSCW
    Dismantling Gender Blindness in Online Discussion of a Crime/Gender Dichotomy
    CSCW 2024 DEI Recognition
    Yigang Qin , Weilun Duan , Qunfang Wu , and Zhicong Lu
    Proceedings of the ACM on Human-Computer Interaction (CSCW), Apr 2024
  10. CSCW
    Investigating VTubing as a Reconstruction of Streamer Self-Presentation: Identity, Performance, and Gender
    Qian Wan , and Zhicong Lu
    Proceedings of the ACM on Human-Computer Interaction (CSCW), Apr 2024
  11. CSCW
    “It Felt Like Having a Second Mind”: Investigating Human-AI Co-creativity in Prewriting with Large Language Models
    Qian Wan , Saying Hu , Yu Zhang , Piaohong Wang , Bo Wen , and Zhicong Lu
    Proceedings of the ACM on Human-Computer Interaction (CSCW), Apr 2024
  12. CSCW
    Understanding Chinese Internet Users’ Perceptions of, and Online Platforms’ Compliance with, the Personal Information Protection Law (PIPL)
    Morgana Mo Zhou , Zhiyan Qu , Jinhan Wan , Bo Wen , Yaxing Yao , and Zhicong Lu
    Proceedings of the ACM on Human-Computer Interaction (CSCW), Apr 2024
  13. CSCW
    Engage Wider Audience or Facilitate Quality Answers? a Mixed-methods Analysis of Questioning Strategies for Research Sensemaking on a Community Q&A Site
    Changyang He , Yue Deng , Lu He , Qingyu Goo , Yu Zhang , Zhicong Lu, and Bo Li
    Proceedings of the ACM on Human-Computer Interaction (CSCW), Apr 2024
  14. ChineseCHI
    "Not to Show Off but to Express Love for Life": Management and Presentation of Older Square Dancing Groups via WeChat and Video Communities in China"
    Yuting Diao , Zhicong Lu, Qi Lu , Guanhong Liu , Jiaxing Wang , Yuanling Feng , and Jihong Jeung
    In Proceedings of the Eleventh International Symposium of Chinese CHI , Apr 2024

2023

  1. TOCHI
    Malicious Selling Strategies in Livestream E-Commerce: A Case Study of Alibaba’s Taobao and ByteDance’s TikTok
    Qunfang Wu , Yisi Sang , Dakuo Wang , and Zhicong Lu
    ACM Trans. Comput.-Hum. Interact., Dec 2023
    Just Accepted
  2. CHI PLAY
    Let’s Play Together through Channels: Understanding the Practices and Experience of Danmaku Participation Game Players in China
    Piaohong Wang , and Zhicong Lu
    Proceedings of the ACM on Human-Computer Interaction (CHI Play), Oct 2023
  3. DIS
    GANCollage: A GAN-Driven Digital Mood Board to Facilitate Ideation in Creativity Support
    Qian Wan , and Zhicong Lu
    In Proceedings of the 2023 ACM Designing Interactive Systems Conference , Oct 2023
  4. CHI
    Understanding Communication Strategies and Viewer Engagements of Science Knowledge Videos on Bilibili
    Yu Zhang , Changyang He , Huanchen Wang , and Zhicong Lu
    In Proceedings of the 2023 CHI Conference on Human Factors in Computing Systems , Oct 2023
  5. CHI
    StoryChat: Designing a Narrative-Based Viewer Participation Tool for Live Streaming Chatrooms
    Hen Chen Yen , Li Feng , Brinda Mehra , Ching Christie Pang , Siying Hu , and Zhicong Lu
    In Proceedings of the 2023 CHI Conference on Human Factors in Computing Systems , Oct 2023
  6. CHI
    Understanding Personal Data Tracking and Sensemaking Practices for Self-Directed Learning in Non-classroom and Non-computer-based Contexts
    CHI 2023 Best Paper Honourable Mention
    Zhiyi Ethan Rong , Mo Morgana Zhou , Ge Gao , and Zhicong Lu
    In Proceedings of the 2023 CHI Conference on Human Factors in Computing Systems , Oct 2023
  7. CHI
    Making Sense of Post-match Fan Behaviors in the Online Football Communities
    Yucheng Wang , and Zhicong Lu
    In Proceedings of the 2023 CHI Conference on Human Factors in Computing Systems , Oct 2023
  8. CHI
    Seeking Love and Companionship through Streaming: Unpacking Livestreamer-moderated Senior Matchmaking in China
    Changyang He , Lu He , Zhicong Lu, and Bo Li
    In Proceedings of the 2023 CHI Conference on Human Factors in Computing Systems , Oct 2023
  9. CHI
    Work with AI and Work for AI: Autonomous Vehicle Safety Drivers’ Lived Experiences
    Mengdi Chu , Keyu Zong , Xin Shu , Jiangtao Gong , Zhicong Lu, Xinyi Dai , Kaiming Guo , and Guyue Zhou
    In Proceedings of the 2023 CHI Conference on Human Factors in Computing Systems , Oct 2023
  10. CSCW
    Exploring Temporal and Multilingual Dynamics of Post-Disaster Social Media Discourse: A Case of Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Accident
    Saiyue Lyu , and Zhicong Lu
    Proceedings of the ACM on Human-Computer Interaction (CSCW), Apr 2023
  11. CSCW
    "My Culture, My People, My Hometown": Chinese Ethnic Minorities Seeking Cultural Sustainability by Video Blogging
    Si Chen , Xinyue Chen , Yun Huang , and Zhicong Lu
    Proceedings of the ACM on Human-Computer Interaction (CSCW), Apr 2023
  12. CSCW
    "I Have to Use My Son’s QR Code to Run the Business": Unpacking Senior Street Vendors’ Challenges in Mobile Money Collection in China
    Changyang He , Lu He , Zhicong Lu, and Bo Li
    Proceedings of the ACM on Human-Computer Interaction (CSCW), Apr 2023

2022

  1. CHI
    Dare to Dream, Dare to Livestream: How E-Commerce Livestreaming Empowers Chinese Rural Women
    Ningjing Tang , Lei Tao , Bo Wen , and Zhicong Lu
    In Proceedings of the 2022 CHI Conference on Human Factors in Computing Systems , Apr 2022
  2. CHI
    Remote Co-teaching in Rural Classroom: Current Practices, Impacts, and Challenges
    Siling Guo , Tianchen Sun , Jiangtao Gong , Zhicong Lu, Liuxin Zhang , and Qianying Wang
    In Proceedings of the 2022 CHI Conference on Human Factors in Computing Systems , Apr 2022
  3. CHI
    Beyond Virtual Bazaar: How Social Commerce Promotes Inclusivity for the Traditionally Underserved Community in Chinese Developing Regions
    Zhilong Chen , Hancheng Cao , Xiaochong Lan , Zhicong Lu, and Yong Li
    In Proceedings of the 2022 CHI Conference on Human Factors in Computing Systems , Apr 2022
  4. CHI
    Impact and User Perception of Sandwich Attacks in the DeFi Ecosystem
    Ye Wang , Patrick Zuest , Yaxing Yao , Zhicong Lu, and Roger Wattenhofer
    In Proceedings of the 2022 CHI Conference on Human Factors in Computing Systems , Apr 2022
  5. DIS
    The Crafts+Fabrication Workshop: Engaging Students with Intangible Cultural Heritage-Oriented Creative Design
    Zhicong Lu, Peng Tan , Yi Ji , and Xiaojuan Ma
    In Designing Interactive Systems Conference , Apr 2022
  6. DIS
    “It Feels Like Being Locked in A Cage”: Understanding Blind or Low Vision Streamers’ Perceptions of Content Curation Algorithms
    Ethan Z. Rong , Mo Morgana Zhou , Zhicong Lu, and Mingming Fan
    In Designing Interactive Systems Conference , Apr 2022
  7. CSCW
    An Exploration of Captioning Practices and Challenges of Individual Content Creators on YouTube for People with Hearing Impairments
    Franklin Mingzhe Li , Cheng Lu , Zhicong Lu, Patrick Carrington , and Khai N. Truong
    Proceedings of the ACM on Human-Computer Interaction (CSCW), Apr 2022
  8. CSCW
    Gay Dating on Non-dating Platforms: The Case of Online Dating Activities of Gay Men on a Q&A Platform
    Ye Wang , Zhicong Lu, and Roger Wattenhofer
    Proceedings of the ACM on Human-Computer Interaction (CSCW), Apr 2022
  9. CSCW
    "I Never Imagined Grandma Could Do So Well with Technology": Evolving Roles of Younger Family Members in Older Adults’ Technology Learning
    Xinru Tang , Yuling Sun , Bowen Zhang , Zimi Liu , Ray LC , Zhicong Lu, and Xin Tong
    Proceedings of the ACM on Human-Computer Interaction (CSCW), Apr 2022
  10. CSCW
    Practitioners Versus Users: A Value-Sensitive Evaluation of Current Industrial Recommender System Design
    Zhilong Chen , Jinghua Piao , Xiaochong Lan , Hancheng Cao , Chen Gao , Zhicong Lu, and Yong Li
    Proceedings of the ACM on Human-Computer Interaction (CSCW), Apr 2022
  11. ASSETS
    “It’s Just Part of Me:” Understanding Avatar Diversity and Self-presentation of People with Disabilities in Social Virtual Reality
    Kexin Zhang , Elmira Deldari , Zhicong Lu, Yaxing Yao , and Yuhang Zhao
    In Proceedings of the 24th International ACM SIGACCESS Conference on Computers and Accessibility , Apr 2022

2021

  1. CHI
    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 , and Daniel Wigdor
    In Proceedings of the 2021 CHI Conference on Human Factors in Computing Systems , Apr 2021
  2. CHI
    The Labor of Fun: Understanding the Social Relationships between Gamers and Paid Gaming Teammates in China
    CHI 2021 Best Paper Honourable Mention
    Chenxinran Shen , Zhicong Lu, Travis Faas , and Daniel Wigdor
    In Proceedings of the 2021 CHI Conference on Human Factors in Computing Systems , Apr 2021
  3. CHI
    All in One Group: Current Practices, Lessons and Challenges of Chinese Home-School Communication in IM Group Chat
    Zheng Yao , Jiangtao Gong , and Zhicong Lu
    In Proceedings of the 2021 CHI Conference on Human Factors in Computing Systems , Apr 2021
  4. CSCW
    StreamSketch: Exploring Multi-Modal Interactions in Creative Live Streams
    Zhicong Lu, Ribaiat Habib Kazi , Li-yi Wei , Mira Dontcheva , and Karrie Karahalios
    Proceedings of the ACM on Human-Computer Interaction, 5(CSCW), Nov 2021
  5. CSCW
    “Positive Energy”: Perceptions and Attitudes Towards COVID-19 Information on Social Media in China
    Zhicong Lu, Yue Jiang , Chenxinran Shen , Margaret Jack , Daniel Wigdor , and Mor Naaman
    Proceedings of the ACM on Human-Computer Interaction, 5(CSCW), Nov 2021
  6. CHI PLAY
    Players’ Stories and Secrets in Animal Crossing: New Horizons-Exploring Design Factors for Positive Emotions and Social Interactions in a Multiplayer Online Game
    Xin Tong , Diane Gromala , Carman Neustaedter , F. David Fracchia , Yisen Dai , and Zhicong Lu
    Proceedings of the ACM on Human-Computer Interaction (CHI Play), Oct 2021

2020

  1. CHI
    The Government’s Dividend: Complex Perceptions of Social Media Misinformation in China
    Zhicong Lu, Yue Jiang , Cheng Lu , Mor Naaman , and Daniel Wigdor
    In Proceedings of the 2020 CHI Conference on Human Factors in Computing Systems , Oct 2020
  2. HCII
    Exploring TikTok Use and Non-use Practices and Experiences in China
    Xing Lu , Zhicong Lu, and Changqing Liu
    In Social Computing and Social Media. Participation, User Experience, Consumer Experience, and Applications of Social Computing, HCI International , Oct 2020

2019

  1. Live Streaming in China for Sharing Knowledge and Promoting Intangible Cultural Heritage
    Zhicong Lu
    Interactions, Dec 2019
  2. Improving Viewer Engagement and Communication Efficiency within Non-Entertainment Live Streaming
    Zhicong Lu
    In The Adjunct Publication of the 32nd Annual ACM Symposium on User Interface Software and Technology , Dec 2019
  3. CSCW
    Vicariously Experiencing It All Without Going Outside: A Study of Outdoor Livestreaming in China
    Zhicong Lu, Michelle Annett , and Daniel Wigdor
    Proceedings of the ACM on Human-Computer Interaction, 3(CSCW), Nov 2019
  4. CHI
    “I Feel It is My Responsibility to Stream”: Streaming and Engaging with Intangible Cultural Heritage through Livestreaming
    CHI 2019 Best Paper Award
    Zhicong Lu, Michelle Annett , Mingming Fan , and Daniel Wigdor
    In Proceedings of the 2019 CHI Conference on Human Factors in Computing Systems , Nov 2019
  5. HCII
    Fifteen Seconds of Fame: A Qualitative Study of Douyin, A Short Video Sharing Mobile Application in China
    Xing Lu , and Zhicong Lu
    In Social Computing and Social Media. Participation, User Experience, Consumer Experience, and Applications of Social Computing, HCI International , Nov 2019

2018

  1. CHI
    You Watch, You Give, and You Engage: A Study of Live Streaming Practices in China
    Zhicong Lu, Haijun Xia , Seongkook Heo , and Daniel Wigdor
    In Proceedings of the 2018 CHI Conference on Human Factors in Computing Systems , Nov 2018
  2. CSCW
    StreamWiki: Enabling Viewers of Knowledge Sharing Live Streams to Collaboratively Generate Archival Documentation for Effective In-Stream and Post Hoc Learning
    Zhicong Lu, Seongkook Heo , and Daniel J. Wigdor
    Proceedings of the ACM on Human-Computer Interaction, 2(CSCW), Nov 2018
  3. VIS
    InkPlanner: Supporting prewriting via intelligent visual diagramming
    Zhicong Lu, Mingming Fan , Yun Wang , Jian Zhao , Michelle Annett , and Daniel Wigdor
    IEEE transactions on visualization and computer graphics, Nov 2018

2017

  1. Comparing Mid-Air Finger Motion with Touch for Small Target Acquisition on Wearable Devices
    Mingming Fan , Anuruddha Hettiarachchi , Zhicong Lu, Seyong Ha , and Priyank Gupta
    In Proceedings of the 2017 CHI Conference Extended Abstracts on Human Factors in Computing Systems , Nov 2017
  2. HCII EA
    The Rise and Proliferation of Live-Streaming in China: Insights and Lessons
    Jinglan Lin , and Zhicong Lu
    In HCI International 2017 – Posters’ Extended Abstracts , Nov 2017