Under The (Plastic) Sea - Sensitizing People Toward Ecological Behavior Using Virtual Reality Controlled by Users’ Physical Activity

Abstract

As environmental pollution continues to expand, new ways for raising awareness for the consequences need to be explored. Virtual reality has emerged as an effective tool for behavioral change. This paper investigates if virtual reality applications controlled through physical activity can support an even stronger effect, because it enhances the attention and recall performance by stimulating the working memory through motor functions. This was tested in an experimental study using a virtual reality head-mounted display in combination with the ICAROS fitness device enabling participants to explore either a plastic-polluted or non-polluted sea. Results indicated that using a regular controller elicits more presence and a more intense Flow experience than the ICAROS condition, which people controlled via their physical activity. Moreover, the plastic-polluted stimulus was more effective in inducing attitude change than a nonpolluted sea.