Presenter(s)

Natalia Miller, Grace Baden, and Samantha Dischinger

Abstract

With the growing accessibility of virtual reality (VR) and digital tourism, understanding its impact on emotional well-being is essential. This study explores the psychological effects of virtual tourism by examining whether participants feel more relaxed or energized after experiencing a virtual tour. The research involves participants engaging in a guided virtual tour of a destination, either with a VR headset or a tablet PC, followed by self-reported assessments measuring their emotions. There will also be a follow-up survey with open-ended questions asking participants to explain their responses to the previous survey. Data collection has been ongoing since March 2025. Any adult who can watch 360-degree videos without health issues is eligible to participate in this study. The quantitative data will be analyzed statistically, and the qualitative data will be analyzed using content analysis. This research is expected to contribute to understanding the positive effects of virtual tourism on human well-being.

College

College of Nursing & Health Sciences

Department

Recreation, Tourism & Therapeutic Recreation

Campus

Winona

First Advisor/Mentor

Hyunseo (Violet) Yoon

Start Date

4-24-2025 9:00 AM

End Date

4-24-2025 10:00 AM

Presentation Type

Poster Session

Format of Presentation or Performance

In-Person

Session

1a=9am-10am

Poster Number

23

Share

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Apr 24th, 9:00 AM Apr 24th, 10:00 AM

Relaxed or Energized: The Impact of Virtual Tourism on Emotions

With the growing accessibility of virtual reality (VR) and digital tourism, understanding its impact on emotional well-being is essential. This study explores the psychological effects of virtual tourism by examining whether participants feel more relaxed or energized after experiencing a virtual tour. The research involves participants engaging in a guided virtual tour of a destination, either with a VR headset or a tablet PC, followed by self-reported assessments measuring their emotions. There will also be a follow-up survey with open-ended questions asking participants to explain their responses to the previous survey. Data collection has been ongoing since March 2025. Any adult who can watch 360-degree videos without health issues is eligible to participate in this study. The quantitative data will be analyzed statistically, and the qualitative data will be analyzed using content analysis. This research is expected to contribute to understanding the positive effects of virtual tourism on human well-being.

 

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