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How Immersive Flow Experiences in the Metaverse Supercharge Awe, Place Attachment, and Engagement

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: We examine the effects of key metaverse characteristics on users’ experiences of awe and place attachment as well as how these experiences influence user engagement. Using a mixed-methods approach, we first conducted in-depth qualitative interviews to explore relevant constructs and relationships, then empirically validated the model we developed from the interviews. We found focused immersion, enjoyment, and telepresence to be positively associated with awe and place attachment. In turn, awe and place attachment significantly predict user engagement, with social threat moderating the relationship between place attachment and engagement. This study contributes to the growing body of literature on the metaverse and user engagement, while also extending theoretical insights from flow theory. The findings offer practical guidance for designers and developers seeking to enhance user engagement in immersive digital environments.

Source: AIS Transactions on Human-Computer Interaction

DOI: 10.17705/1thci.00230

Authors: Aman Kumar, Amit Shankar, Abhishek Behl, Nakul Gupta

Institutions: Indian Institute of Management Ranchi, Indian Institute of Management Visakhapatnam, Keele University, Management Development Institute

Language: English

Topic: Virtual Reality Applications and Impacts

Subfield: Human-Computer Interaction

Field: Computer Science

Domain: Physical Sciences

Open Access status: diamond

OpenAlex ID: W4414640966

FWCI: 1.732

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Cited by: 2

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