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
Included in
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.
