Zhicong Lu
I’m Zhicong Lu (陆志聪, Caleb), an Assistant Professor of Computer Science at George Mason University. My research interests lie at the intersection of human-computer interaction(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 Mixed Reality) and generative AI models for sharing knowledge, enhancing creativity, and safeguarding Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH). I am currently serving as the Chair of the Asia SIGCHI Committee (ASC), which aims to activate HCI research and practices in Asia.
Prior to joining GMU, I was an Assistant Professor at the Department of Computer Science, City University of Hong Kong. I finished my PhD in Computer Science at the University of Toronto 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.
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 DEER Lab 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
| Sep 20, 2026 | Our paper You Really Didn’t Get That? Benchmarking Social Pragmatic Inference for Indirect and Playful Chinese Online Comments has been accepted as an EMNLP 2026 Main Conference Paper (Acceptance Rate: 15.4%). Congratulations to my students and co-authors! |
|---|---|
| Sep 14, 2026 | Our paper “Constructing Algorithmic Authority: How Multi-Channel Networks (MCNs) Govern Live-Streaming Labor in China” has received an Honorable Mention Award at CSCW 2026. Congratulations to my co-authors! |
| 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! |
publications
2026
- EMNLPYou Really Didn’t Get That? Benchmarking Social Pragmatic Inference for Indirect and Playful Chinese Online CommentsarXiv preprint arXiv:2609.04384, 2026
- CSCW“Law at Your Fingertips”: Understanding Legal Information Seeking on Video-Sharing Platforms in ChinaProceedings of the ACM on Human-Computer Interaction, 2026
- CSCWConstructing Algorithmic Authority: How Multi-Channel Networks (MCNs) Govern Live-Streaming Labor in ChinaCSCW 2026 Best Paper Honourable MentionProceedings of the ACM on Human-Computer Interaction, 2026
- IJHCIHow Do Users Negotiate Harmful Value Conflicts with AI Companions? A Study with Minion, a Technology Probe for In-Situ Human–AI Conflict ResponseInternational Journal of Human–Computer Interaction, 2026
- ICWSMThe digital landscape of God: narrative, visuals and viewer engagement of religious videos on YouTubeIn Proceedings of the International AAAI Conference on Web and Social Media , 2026
- ACLMulti-Agent Comedy Club: Investigating Community Discussion Effects on LLM Humor GenerationIn Findings of the Association for Computational Linguistics: ACL 2026 , 2026
- CHIPuppetChat: Fostering Intimate Communication through Bidirectional Actions and MicronarrativesIn Proceedings of the 2026 CHI Conference on Human Factors in Computing Systems , 2026
- CHIInterFlow: Designing Unobtrusive AI to Empower Interviewers in Semi-Structured InterviewsIn Proceedings of the 2026 CHI Conference on Human Factors in Computing Systems , 2026
- CHI‘I Will Dream Sweet Dreams’: Understanding Remote Companionship Volunteer Activities for Factual Orphans in Rural ChinaIn Proceedings of the 2026 CHI Conference on Human Factors in Computing Systems , 2026
- CoRLC^3ache: Accelerating World Action Models with Cross Inference Chunk CachearXiv preprint arXiv:2606.08962, 2026
- IJHCIWhen, Who, and Why: Exploring Occupants’ Demand of Explanations from Autonomous VehiclesInternational Journal of Human–Computer Interaction, 2026
- Balancing Safety and Autonomy: Accessibility-Oriented Interventions in Generative AI for Cognitive ImpairmentarXiv preprint arXiv:2608.17175, 2026
- IJHCIAI vs. human paintings? Deciphering public interactions and perceptions towards AI-generated paintings on TikTokInternational Journal of Human–Computer Interaction, 2026
2025
- TVCGVisMoDAl: Visual Analytics for Evaluating and Improving Corruption Robustness of Vision-Language ModelsIEEE Transactions on Visualization and Computer Graphics, 2025
- TOCHIEmotions in Fandom Crowdfunding: Investigating How Online Interactions Affect Collaborative Monetary ActivitiesACM Transactions on Computer-Human Interaction, 2025
- CSCWPolymind: Parallel Visual Diagramming with Large Language Models to Support Prewriting Through MicrotasksProceedings of the ACM on Human-Computer Interaction (CSCW) (CSCW 2025), Nov 2025
- CSCWSpeechCap: Leveraging Playful Impact Captions to Facilitate Interpersonal Communication in Social Virtual RealityProceedings of the ACM on Human-Computer Interaction (CSCW) (CSCW 2025), Nov 2025
- CSCW“Online Game Players on Peer-to-Peer Trading Platform: An Infrastructure PerspectiveProceedings of the ACM on Human-Computer Interaction (CSCW) (CSCW 2025), Nov 2025
- CSCWThingMoji: User-Captured Cut-Outs For In-Stream Visual CommunicationProceedings of the ACM on Human-Computer Interaction (CSCW) (CSCW 2025), Nov 2025
- CSCWLive, Learn, and Connect: Unpacking Live-Streaming-Based Silver Classroom in ChinaProceedings of the ACM on Human-Computer Interaction (CSCW) (CSCW 2025), Nov 2025
- ASSETSUnderstanding How Visually Impaired Players Socialize in Mobile GamesIn Proceedings of the 24th International ACM SIGACCESS Conference on Computers and Accessibility , Oct 2025
- CHI“Can’t believe I’m crying over an anime girl”: Public Parasocial Grieving and Coping Towards VTuber Graduation and TerminationIn Proceedings of the 2025 CHI Conference on Human Factors in Computing Systems , Oct 2025
- CHIHow Users Who are Blind or Low Vision Play Mobile Games: Perceptions, Challenges, and StrategiesIn Proceedings of the 2025 CHI Conference on Human Factors in Computing Systems , Oct 2025
- CHILet’s Influence Algorithms Together: How Millions of Fans Build Collective Understanding of Algorithms and Organize Coordinated Algorithmic ActionsIn Proceedings of the 2025 CHI Conference on Human Factors in Computing Systems , Oct 2025
- CHIHarmonyCut: Supporting Creative Chinese Paper-cutting Design with Form and Connotation HarmonyIn Proceedings of the 2025 CHI Conference on Human Factors in Computing Systems , Oct 2025
- CHI“Douyin is My Nourishment of the Mind”: Exploring the Infrastructuralization Process of Short Video Sharing Platforms in Rural ChinaIn Proceedings of the 2025 CHI Conference on Human Factors in Computing Systems , Oct 2025
- CHIUser-Driven Value Alignment: Understanding Users’ Perceptions and Strategies for Addressing Biased and Discriminatory Statements in AI CompanionsIn Proceedings of the 2025 CHI Conference on Human Factors in Computing Systems , Oct 2025
- CHIThe Odyssey Journey: Top-Tier Medical Resource Seeking for Specialized Disorder in ChinaIn Proceedings of the 2025 CHI Conference on Human Factors in Computing Systems , Oct 2025
- CHIProductMeta: An Interactive System for Metaphorical Product Design Ideation with Multimodal Large Language ModelsIn Proceedings of the 2025 CHI Conference on Human Factors in Computing Systems , Oct 2025
- CSCWDanModCap: Designing a Danmaku Moderation Tool for Video-Sharing Platforms that Leverages Impact CaptionsProceedings of the ACM on Human-Computer Interaction (CSCW) (to appear at CSCW 2025), May 2025
- CSCWDouyin as a Memorial Gathering for CoCo: Algorithmic Experiences of Online Collective MourningProceedings of the ACM on Human-Computer Interaction (CSCW) (to appear at CSCW 2025), May 2025
- CSCWBehind the Same Mask: Understanding the Practice of Spontaneous Collective Anonymity on Chinese Social PlatformsProceedings of the ACM on Human-Computer Interaction (CSCW) (to appear at CSCW 2025), May 2025
- CSCWHow Social Media Plays A Role in Stay-At-Home-Mom’s Transition: A Case Study in ChinaProceedings of the ACM on Human-Computer Interaction (CSCW) (to appear at CSCW 2025), May 2025
2024
- CHI"There is a Job Prepared for Me Here": Understanding How Short Video and Live-streaming Platforms Empower Ageing Job Seekers in ChinaIn Proceedings of the 2024 CHI Conference on Human Factors in Computing Systems , May 2024
- CHIMetamorpheus: Interactive, Affective, and Creative Dream Narration Through Metaphorical Visual StorytellingIn Proceedings of the 2024 CHI Conference on Human Factors in Computing Systems , May 2024
- CHICoPrompt: Supporting Prompt Sharing and Referring in Collaborative Natural Language ProgrammingIn Proceedings of the 2024 CHI Conference on Human Factors in Computing Systems , May 2024
- CHICritical Heritage Studies as a Lens to Understand Short Video Sharing of Intangible Cultural Heritage on DouyinIn Proceedings of the 2024 CHI Conference on Human Factors in Computing Systems , May 2024
- CHI#PoetsOfInstagram: Navigating the Practices and Challenges of Novice Poets on InstagramIn Proceedings of the 2024 CHI Conference on Human Factors in Computing Systems , May 2024
- CHISeeking Soulmate via Voice: Understanding Promises and Challenges of Online Synchronized Voice-Based Mobile DatingCHI 2024 Best Paper Honourable MentionIn Proceedings of the 2024 CHI Conference on Human Factors in Computing Systems , May 2024
- CHIWrist-bound Guanxi, Jiazu, and Kuolie: Unpacking Chinese Adolescent Smartwatch-Mediated SocializationIn Proceedings of the 2024 CHI Conference on Human Factors in Computing Systems , May 2024
- CHIPersuasion or Insulting? Unpacking Discursive Strategies of Gender Debate in Everyday Feminism in ChinaIn Proceedings of the 2024 CHI Conference on Human Factors in Computing Systems , May 2024
- CSCWDismantling Gender Blindness in Online Discussion of a Crime/Gender DichotomyCSCW 2024 DEI RecognitionProceedings of the ACM on Human-Computer Interaction (CSCW), Apr 2024
- CSCWInvestigating VTubing as a Reconstruction of Streamer Self-Presentation: Identity, Performance, and GenderProceedings of the ACM on Human-Computer Interaction (CSCW), Apr 2024
- CSCW“It Felt Like Having a Second Mind”: Investigating Human-AI Co-creativity in Prewriting with Large Language ModelsProceedings of the ACM on Human-Computer Interaction (CSCW), Apr 2024
- CSCWUnderstanding Chinese Internet Users’ Perceptions of, and Online Platforms’ Compliance with, the Personal Information Protection Law (PIPL)Proceedings of the ACM on Human-Computer Interaction (CSCW), Apr 2024
- CSCWEngage Wider Audience or Facilitate Quality Answers? a Mixed-methods Analysis of Questioning Strategies for Research Sensemaking on a Community Q&A SiteProceedings of the ACM on Human-Computer Interaction (CSCW), Apr 2024
2023
- TOCHIMalicious Selling Strategies in Livestream E-Commerce: A Case Study of Alibaba’s Taobao and ByteDance’s TikTokACM Trans. Comput.-Hum. Interact., Dec 2023Just Accepted
- CHI PLAYLet’s Play Together through Channels: Understanding the Practices and Experience of Danmaku Participation Game Players in ChinaProceedings of the ACM on Human-Computer Interaction (CHI Play), Oct 2023
- DISGANCollage: A GAN-Driven Digital Mood Board to Facilitate Ideation in Creativity SupportIn Proceedings of the 2023 ACM Designing Interactive Systems Conference , Oct 2023
- CHIUnderstanding Communication Strategies and Viewer Engagements of Science Knowledge Videos on BilibiliIn Proceedings of the 2023 CHI Conference on Human Factors in Computing Systems , Oct 2023
- CHIStoryChat: Designing a Narrative-Based Viewer Participation Tool for Live Streaming ChatroomsIn Proceedings of the 2023 CHI Conference on Human Factors in Computing Systems , Oct 2023
- CHIUnderstanding Personal Data Tracking and Sensemaking Practices for Self-Directed Learning in Non-classroom and Non-computer-based ContextsCHI 2023 Best Paper Honourable MentionIn Proceedings of the 2023 CHI Conference on Human Factors in Computing Systems , Oct 2023
- CHIMaking Sense of Post-match Fan Behaviors in the Online Football CommunitiesIn Proceedings of the 2023 CHI Conference on Human Factors in Computing Systems , Oct 2023
- CHISeeking Love and Companionship through Streaming: Unpacking Livestreamer-moderated Senior Matchmaking in ChinaIn Proceedings of the 2023 CHI Conference on Human Factors in Computing Systems , Oct 2023
- CHIWork with AI and Work for AI: Autonomous Vehicle Safety Drivers’ Lived ExperiencesIn Proceedings of the 2023 CHI Conference on Human Factors in Computing Systems , Oct 2023
- CSCWExploring Temporal and Multilingual Dynamics of Post-Disaster Social Media Discourse: A Case of Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear AccidentProceedings of the ACM on Human-Computer Interaction (CSCW), Apr 2023
- CSCW"My Culture, My People, My Hometown": Chinese Ethnic Minorities Seeking Cultural Sustainability by Video BloggingProceedings of the ACM on Human-Computer Interaction (CSCW), Apr 2023
- CSCW"I Have to Use My Son’s QR Code to Run the Business": Unpacking Senior Street Vendors’ Challenges in Mobile Money Collection in ChinaProceedings of the ACM on Human-Computer Interaction (CSCW), Apr 2023
2022
- CHIDare to Dream, Dare to Livestream: How E-Commerce Livestreaming Empowers Chinese Rural WomenIn Proceedings of the 2022 CHI Conference on Human Factors in Computing Systems , Apr 2022
- CHIRemote Co-teaching in Rural Classroom: Current Practices, Impacts, and ChallengesIn Proceedings of the 2022 CHI Conference on Human Factors in Computing Systems , Apr 2022
- CHIBeyond Virtual Bazaar: How Social Commerce Promotes Inclusivity for the Traditionally Underserved Community in Chinese Developing RegionsIn Proceedings of the 2022 CHI Conference on Human Factors in Computing Systems , Apr 2022
- CHIImpact and User Perception of Sandwich Attacks in the DeFi EcosystemIn Proceedings of the 2022 CHI Conference on Human Factors in Computing Systems , Apr 2022
- DISThe Crafts+Fabrication Workshop: Engaging Students with Intangible Cultural Heritage-Oriented Creative DesignIn Designing Interactive Systems Conference , Apr 2022
- DIS“It Feels Like Being Locked in A Cage”: Understanding Blind or Low Vision Streamers’ Perceptions of Content Curation AlgorithmsIn Designing Interactive Systems Conference , Apr 2022
- CSCWAn Exploration of Captioning Practices and Challenges of Individual Content Creators on YouTube for People with Hearing ImpairmentsProceedings of the ACM on Human-Computer Interaction (CSCW), Apr 2022
- CSCWGay Dating on Non-dating Platforms: The Case of Online Dating Activities of Gay Men on a Q&A PlatformProceedings of the ACM on Human-Computer Interaction (CSCW), Apr 2022
- CSCW"I Never Imagined Grandma Could Do So Well with Technology": Evolving Roles of Younger Family Members in Older Adults’ Technology LearningProceedings of the ACM on Human-Computer Interaction (CSCW), Apr 2022
- CSCWPractitioners Versus Users: A Value-Sensitive Evaluation of Current Industrial Recommender System DesignProceedings of the ACM on Human-Computer Interaction (CSCW), Apr 2022
- ASSETS“It’s Just Part of Me:” Understanding Avatar Diversity and Self-presentation of People with Disabilities in Social Virtual RealityIn Proceedings of the 24th International ACM SIGACCESS Conference on Computers and Accessibility , Apr 2022
2021
- CHIMore Kawaii than a Real-Person Streamer: Understanding How the Otaku Community Engages with and Perceives Virtual YouTubersIn Proceedings of the 2021 CHI Conference on Human Factors in Computing Systems , Apr 2021
- CHIThe Labor of Fun: Understanding the Social Relationships between Gamers and Paid Gaming Teammates in ChinaCHI 2021 Best Paper Honourable MentionIn Proceedings of the 2021 CHI Conference on Human Factors in Computing Systems , Apr 2021
- CHIAll in One Group: Current Practices, Lessons and Challenges of Chinese Home-School Communication in IM Group ChatIn Proceedings of the 2021 CHI Conference on Human Factors in Computing Systems , Apr 2021
- CSCWStreamSketch: Exploring Multi-Modal Interactions in Creative Live StreamsProceedings of the ACM on Human-Computer Interaction, 5(CSCW), Nov 2021
- CSCW“Positive Energy”: Perceptions and Attitudes Towards COVID-19 Information on Social Media in ChinaProceedings of the ACM on Human-Computer Interaction, 5(CSCW), Nov 2021
- CHI PLAYPlayers’ Stories and Secrets in Animal Crossing: New Horizons-Exploring Design Factors for Positive Emotions and Social Interactions in a Multiplayer Online GameProceedings of the ACM on Human-Computer Interaction (CHI Play), Oct 2021
2020
- CHIThe Government’s Dividend: Complex Perceptions of Social Media Misinformation in ChinaIn Proceedings of the 2020 CHI Conference on Human Factors in Computing Systems , Oct 2020
2019
- Live Streaming in China for Sharing Knowledge and Promoting Intangible Cultural HeritageInteractions, Dec 2019
- Improving Viewer Engagement and Communication Efficiency within Non-Entertainment Live StreamingIn The Adjunct Publication of the 32nd Annual ACM Symposium on User Interface Software and Technology , Dec 2019
- CSCWVicariously Experiencing It All Without Going Outside: A Study of Outdoor Livestreaming in ChinaProceedings of the ACM on Human-Computer Interaction, 3(CSCW), Nov 2019
- CHI“I Feel It is My Responsibility to Stream”: Streaming and Engaging with Intangible Cultural Heritage through LivestreamingCHI 2019 Best Paper AwardIn Proceedings of the 2019 CHI Conference on Human Factors in Computing Systems , Nov 2019
- HCIIFifteen Seconds of Fame: A Qualitative Study of Douyin, A Short Video Sharing Mobile Application in ChinaIn Social Computing and Social Media. Participation, User Experience, Consumer Experience, and Applications of Social Computing, HCI International , Nov 2019
2018
- CSCWStreamWiki: Enabling Viewers of Knowledge Sharing Live Streams to Collaboratively Generate Archival Documentation for Effective In-Stream and Post Hoc LearningProceedings of the ACM on Human-Computer Interaction, 2(CSCW), Nov 2018
- VISInkPlanner: Supporting prewriting via intelligent visual diagrammingIEEE transactions on visualization and computer graphics, Nov 2018
2017
- Comparing Mid-Air Finger Motion with Touch for Small Target Acquisition on Wearable DevicesIn Proceedings of the 2017 CHI Conference Extended Abstracts on Human Factors in Computing Systems , Nov 2017