The Impact of Virtual Reality on Curiosity and Other Positive Characteristics

Abstract

The aim of the present study was to investigate the possible impact of virtual reality on curiosity. An associated aim was to assess the effect of virtual reality on positive and negative affect, vigor, flow and interest, and to explore whether curiosity prompted by virtual reality might be a mechanism linking virtual reality with affect, vigor, flow and interest. Participants were randomly assigned to an interactive virtual reality condition or a control condition. Participants in the virtual reality condition showed a significant increase across curiosity dimensions compared to participants in the control condition. Participants in the virtual reality condition also showed a significant increase in positive affect and vigor, and higher levels of flow and interest compared to participants in the control condition. Change in the exploration dimension of curiosity prompted by the virtual reality experience linked the experience with positive affect and interest. Virtual reality may be a vehicle for inducing curiosity and associated positive characteristics.