Experiencing Nature: Embodying Animals in Immersive Virtual Environments Increases Inclusion of Nature in Self and Involvement With Nature

Abstract

Immersive virtual environments (IVEs)

Object Touch by a Humanoid Robot Avatar Induces Haptic Sensation in the Real Hand

“…This result agrees with a recent proposal that the functional characteristics of a limb are more important than the physical features for embodiment . The finding is also in line with previous studies that suggest that humans are able to embody avatar bodies that depart from the humanoid form (Ahn et al, 2016;Aymerich-Franch, 2012;Aymerich-Franch et al, 2015Kilteni, Normand, Sanchez-Vives, & Slater, 2012;Steptoe, et al, 2013;Won, et al, 2015).…”

“…While a resemblance of the shape of an artificial limb or body to a human body helps increase the sense of embodiment (Haans, IJsselsteijn, & de Kort, ), previous studies suggest that humans are also able to experience non‐human looking avatar and robot bodies as their own (Ahn, et al, ; Aymerich‐Franch, ; Aymerich‐Franch et al, , , ; Steptoe, Steed, & Slater, ; Won, Bailenson, Lee, & Lanier, ). Thus, we hypothesized that an anthropomorphic limb is not essential for embodiment (Aymerich‐Franch & Ganesh, ), and that a non‐anthropomorphic limb can induce illusory haptic perceptions provided that a sense of embodiment is induced towards it.…”

Altered States of Consciousness: Evaluation of a voice‐hearing simulation during an immersive art exhibition

“…Ahn et al, 2016). The implications for understanding and empathy demonstrated in this study also suggest Altered States of Consciousness could have important training applications for clinicians, similar…”

Augmented Reality Brings the Real World into Natural History Dioramas with Data Visualizations and Bioacoustics at the Carnegie Museum of Natural History

“…It is important that audiences appreciate what a species-rich woodland is like because people are unlikely to protect what they do not know or understand. Immersive technologies have been shown to create personal experiences that can change the perception of environmental issues (Ahn et al 2016). Hence, while our app does not call anyone to action, the visualization may motivate people to support rational long-term conservation goals if they feel that some of the world's beauty has been lost through the overpopulation of deer.…”