Transformative Immersion: An interdisciplinary theory of VR immersion

Abstract

The concept of immersion is fundamental to understanding the complexity of Virtual Reality (VR). Most of its definitions align with the idea of mental or bodily 'relocation,' of plunging into a virtual or fictional world or another individual’s experience. These definitions have given rise to theoretical approaches which assume that VR immersion requires a virtual world separated from reality into which the 'spectator' can enter. These discourses are embedded in the promise that virtuality can be the ultimate reproduction of 'reality.' However, they do not account for the nuances around the spectator's embodied location, emotions and memories. Therefore, I hypothesise that addressing VR as a remediation problem can guide the way towards an alternative theory of VR immersion based on the relational and fluid becoming of the 'real' and the 'virtual.' This theory suggests that immersion needs not to be defined as entering some other 'location' (place or body). Instead, different mediated and real entities interact during immersion, making it a radical and embodied transformation. This process gives shape to alternative ways of perceiving and constructing our experience of reality and normalcy. This thesis will examine two strings of thought articulated around media studies and theatre studies working towards this new VR immersion theory. To find commonalities and limitations, and propose new possibilities, interdisciplinary integration and intermediality will be useful methodologies. At its broadest, my research aims to contribute to VR theories understanding it as a technology of embodied transformation and a place of possibility.