Understanding AWE: Can a Virtual Journey, Inspired by the Overview Effect, Lead to an Increased Sense of Interconnectedness?
Frontiers in Digital Humanities May 22, 2019 Ekaterina R. Stepanova, Denise T. Quesnel, Bernhard E. Riecke 57 citations
Virtual reality can elicit components of the emotion awe and induce minor cognitive shifts in worldview, similar to the Overview Effect astronauts experience when viewing Earth from space. An immersive installation called 'AWE' (Awe-inspiring Wellness Environment) was evaluated. The experience produced some awe-related feelings and small changes in participants' perspectives, though the effects were modest. Key factors influencing the affective experience included perceived safety, personal background, familiarity with the environment, and a small visceral fear reaction as part of the emotional arc. While results support VR's potential as a transformative medium, further design and research iterations are needed to fully explore profound awe-inspiring experiences.