publications

My research has been largely in HCI, CSCW, and social computing.

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