Virtual Realm Research Articles

Virtual Versus Reality: A Look into the Effects of Discussion Platforms on Speaking Course Achievements in Gather.town

The fusion of education with the digital world is still a developing and crucial phenomenon, especially in light of the growth of metaverse applications and the lingering effects of pandemic-induced educational changes. Learning about the efficacy of platforms like Gather.town becomes increasingly important in this situation. This study explores the changing educational environment, focusing on the widely used technique of small group discussions. Our main goal is to compare the effects of such group discussions in real classrooms against the online setting made possible by websites like Gather.town, especially regarding academic performance. We assessed two separate groups of students using a highly controlled experimental method. One group engaged in traditional, face-to-face small group discussions, while the other participated in discussions within the virtual realm of Gather.town. Our research produced notable results, showing a significant difference in academic achievement between the two modes of interaction. Unexpectedly, the online environment displayed higher standards of academic success. These findings highlight the potential effectiveness of digital platforms in educational initiatives. While conventional, face-to-face dialogues still have significance, incorporating digital technologies could result in equal or better educational outcomes. In essence, this research offers insightful viewpoints to the continuing discussion concerning hybridized learning strategies in the modern educational environment. By highlighting the part played by digital platforms in influencing pedagogical practices, it highlights the potential for such approaches to benefit the future of education.

The Role of Cyberpsychology in the Context of Digital Marketing

The widespread use of the internet and digital technology is revolutionizing consumer interactions with the business world. This necessitates marketers to grasp how psychological factors influence behavior in the virtual realm, a facet that can be explored through the field of cyberpsychology. Cyberpsychology offers insights into human interactions with the digital world, paving the way for personalized marketing content and a profound understanding of consumer preferences. This study aims to elucidate the role of cyberpsychology in the context of digital marketing, providing additional insights into efforts to optimize business strategies in the digital realm. The research employs a literature review method sourced from online platforms. The results indicate that a deep understanding of the relationship between cyberpsychology and digital marketing has unveiled the complexity of human interactions in the digital sphere, the dynamics of consumer behavior, and the pivotal role of color psychology and design in crafting successful digital marketing campaigns. The implications of these findings can offer valuable guidance for marketers to enhance consumer engagement, comprehend market preferences, and devise more effective marketing strategies amidst the evolving challenges of the digital era.

Género, intimidad y poder: uso de medios digitales en interacciones románticas en jóvenes chilenos

Este trabajo explora las prácticas y sentidos que jóvenes universitarios chilenos (N = 60) despliegan en sus relaciones románticas mediadas por Internet, así como la normatividad de género que se instala en el espacio virtual. El enfoque es cualitativo y utiliza entrevistas semiestructuradas. Los resultados muestran la persistencia de códigos de género que restringen la sexualidad femenina, lo que evidencia cómo las desigualdades de poder simbólico se ven reforzadas en el ámbito de la virtualidad.

Explicating Geo-Tagging Behavior on Social Media: Role of Interpersonal Competence, Self-Regulation, Online Affiliation, and Privacy Calculus

Geo-tagging features in social media apps allow users to announce their precise location with great ease and convenience, but geo-tagging poses some serious risks to users' privacy since it involves revelation of one's physical location, a form of personal data, to other users within and across social networks, making them vulnerable to various online and offline attacks, ranging from users being stalked to their identities being stolen. Despite these risks, geo-tagging is increasingly becoming a popular culture in the virtual realm of social media. This study explores why individuals geo-tag on social media by drawing from self-determination theory and privacy calculus to illustrate the underlying factors that influence users to engage in geo-tagging behavior on social media platforms. Based on an online survey administered to 834 active users of social media, this study contends that users' interpersonal competence and self-regulation influence their online affiliation need, which, in turn, affects their geo-tagging behavior. Additionally, we find that perceived benefit and risk have moderation effects on the association between users' online affiliation need and their geo-tagging behavior.

Diving into the virtual realm: Exploring the mechanics of virtual reality

Virtual reality (VR) is a burgeoning technology that aspires to create an immersive digital experience for its users. This essay aims to explore how VR works by inspecting its hardware and software components, as well as the integration of both. The hardware components include the head-mounted display (HMD) with display screens, lenses, and motion tracking sensors for generating visual output and detecting head movements; Input devices, such as hand controllers, enable user interaction. The software components involve 3D computer graphics and rendering techniques, which allow the creation of virtual objects and environments. Real-time rendering ensures smooth and responsive visuals, while audio processing and sound simulation promote a realistic auditory experience. Integrating hardware and software components concerns real-time tracking and synchronization, recognizing and matching user movements with the virtual environment, and ensuring accurate interactions. Feedback mechanisms, especially haptic feedback like vibrations, enhance immersion. Understanding the workings of VR provides insights into its potential applications and its ability to transport users to virtual worlds.

Capitalism’s spatial dominion: unraveling Isfahan city through tourism and virtual networks

ABSTRACT This study scrutinizes capitalism’s influence on spatial organization and its manifestation in Isfahan’s city through tourism and virtual networks. Adhering to a critical perspective, our objective is to elucidate the interplay between physical and virtual realms, employing Lefebvre’s theory of space production. Living in the research field for eight months, a critical ethnographic method was applied for analysis. Virtual networks were found to amplify the gap between real and virtual spaces, transforming individual fantasies into edited images shared in virtual space. The rapid dissemination of staged images among tourists has spurred businesses to craft Instagrammable spaces, creating a lucrative market. This phenomenon results in the standardization of diverse spaces, as cultural practices are colonized through virtual networks, shaping tourists’ perceptions. Contrary to notions of space openness, this study reveals that the tourism experience is dominated by capital relations, perpetuated through virtual networks.

The subsistence and enforcement of copyright and trade mark rights in the metaverse

Abstract The metaverse has been widely hailed as a symbol of technological progress, presenting an immersive virtual realm that has the potential to transform how individuals engage in social and commercial activities. However, this conception of a borderless virtual world—which purportedly transcends the capabilities and reach of Web 2.0—sits uncomfortably with the territorial nature of IP rights. This article examines the complexities surrounding the subsistence and enforcement of IP rights within the metaverse, with a specific focus on copyright and trade marks. Special attention is paid to issues concerning the choice of law and jurisdiction. Finally, the authors conclude with two recommendations that aim to facilitate and supplement the application of the existing rules in addressing copyright and trade mark infringements in the metaverse.

Ideological Perlocutions of Palestinian and Israeli News on CNN Arabic Instagram (Pragmatic Cyber Study)

The Palestine-Israel conflict has long been a deeply scrutinized subject, with social media playing a pivotal role in amplifying discussions around this complex issue. However, this dominant phenomenon has only been studied in aspects of discourse with a theoretical purpose. The concrete implications seen from perlocutions in the virtual realm have yet to be reviewed related to this phenomenon. Therefore, this research will reveal it with a pragmatic cyber approach. The research data included language features in the narrative of CNN Arabic Instagram posted throughout January 2022-May 2023. Data were collected using simak and sadap techniques and supplemented by descriptive and reflective notes. The data were analyzed with a pragmatic cyber perspective with a padan method correlating the comparison between lingual and extra-lingual elements. The results showed that in 17 posts throughout 2022-2023 with 40 data. 13 data (30%) found perlocutions to attract attention; 11 data (27%) perlocutions to arouse curiosity; 8 data (20%) perlocutions to distract; 5 data (10%) perlocutions to encourage; 2 data (5%) perlocutions to embarrass; and 1 data (2%) perlocution to frighten. This result indicates CNN Arabic's tendency to maintain Israel's image most subtly and tactically possible: to "attract attention".

A Reception Analysis of Users of the Online Dating App Tinder as a Medium of Self Disclosure

This research aims to shed light on user reception of the online dating application Tinder as a medium for self-disclosure, prompted by the surge in criminal activities and sexual violence incidents experienced by some users who readily engage with strangers in the virtual realm of social media dating. Employing qualitative research methods and Stuart Hall's encoding-decoding model, the study utilized in-depth interviews and purposive sampling for data collection. The qualitative analysis revealed three informants in a dominant position, two in opposition, and all informants engaged in negotiation. Key findings highlight user interest in Tinder's visually appealing features, including logos, colors, and messaging, along with a focus on the provided security measures and privacy policies. Notably, informants expressed reluctance to disclose personal information, deeming Tinder susceptible to criminal activities and sexual harassment. This study contributes valuable insights for enhancing the safety and user experience within online dating platforms. Highlights : User Perception: Explore how users perceive and engage with the Tinder app, focusing on visual elements and messaging features. Privacy Concerns: Uncover the hesitancy of users to disclose personal information due to perceived risks of criminal activities and sexual harassment. Security Measures: Highlight the importance of users' positive reception towards security features and privacy policies implemented by Tinder for ensuring a safer online dating experience. Keywords: Online Dating, Tinder, User Reception, Self-Disclosure, Safety

Augmenting Security and Privacy in the Virtual Realm: An Analysis of Extended Reality Devices

Augmenting Security and Privacy in the Virtual Realm: An Analysis of Extended Reality Devices

Educating older people: From victimisation to safety on the internet

This paper examines older people?s vulnerability to cybercrime and education as a societal intervention to boost their safety and mitigate victimisation. The study presents the findings of the empirical research conducted with the aim of exploring the connection between certain bio-socio-educational features of older people, their perceptions, habits and experiences in the domain of Internet safety. This descriptive research focuses on the sample drawn from older adults in the Republic of Serbia. Findings show that the respondents access the Internet daily on multiple occasions, thereby facing potential risks in the virtual realm where they lack knowledge regarding safe online practices. Some rely on antivirus programmes for protection, while others have no protection. The research reveals that primary threats to older people?s safety are unauthorised retrieval of personal data and disruption of device functionality due to computer virus infiltration.

Symbolic Interaction in Tiktok's Live Streaming: A Study of Influencer-Viewers Engagement


 
 
 
 In the contemporary digital landscape, social media has evolved into a pervasive phenomenon, serving as a medium for communication and interaction in the virtual realm, liberated from the confines of space and time—epitomized by the omnipresent live streaming feature. TikTok, distinguished by its live streaming functionality, emerges as the paramount social media platform, attracting users ranging from influencers to artists. Central to social media interaction is the adept representation of communicative intentions. This research probes the intricacies of TikTok's live streaming feature as a symbolic interaction medium between influencers and their audience. Employing a qualitative descriptive methodology, the researcher elucidates insights derived from in-depth interviews and observations. The study is anchored in Herbert Mead's symbolic interactionism, with a specific focus on the dimensions of mind, self, and society. Findings spotlight that influencers, within the realm of the mind concept, prioritize augmenting their follower count, with some anticipating financial contributions from the audience to address familial needs. Within the self-concept domain, a subset of influencers directs attention to leveraging symbolic features of live streaming to express their self-concept. Symbols such as likes, comments, shares, and viewers are regarded as potent conveyors of messages pertaining to identity and emotions, particularly within the micro-influencer domain. Concurrently, the audience tends to emulate the self-concept of the influencers they follow. In the societal context, unanimity prevails among informants regarding the imperative adherence to collectively endorsed rules and norms, notably the regulatory policies instituted by TikTok for live streaming.
 
 
 

Cultural Aspects of Technological Grave Visits: A Sociological Assessment

Abstract
 Grave visits have been a deep-rooted religious ritual in many religions and societies throughout history. This ritual is performed with the purpose of visiting the graves of the deceased and is considered an expression of spiritual connection among people. However, with the advancement of technology and the rise of digital communication platforms, this tradition is undergoing a transformation. In today's world, particularly with the increasing popularity of social media platforms, grave visits are taking on a new dimension in the virtual realm. This study aims to examine how the social media profiles of individuals who have passed away, profiles that were used during their lifetime, are visited and interacted with by others after their demise. Furthermore, the research seeks to understand the reasons behind the visibility of the phenomenon of death, which has been pushed into the background in modern societies but is becoming more prominent in what is often termed postmodern societies. This research was conducted using the phenomenological perspective within the framework of qualitative research methods. Within the scope of the study, social media users who visit the social media profiles of deceased individuals on an internet-based social media platform, such as Instagram, and engage in commenting activities were examined. These users offer a significant perspective on how the practice of remembrance and memorialization has become digitalized and evolved. In modern societies, death is often acknowledged as a reality that is either ignored or actively suppressed. However, in postmodern societies, death and memorial rituals are becoming more visible in the digital world. Visiting social media profiles after someone's passing is considered a way to remember them and express a sense of connection. This study contributes to our understanding of how digitalization and technological advancements are impacting societal and cultural practices. It also provides valuable insights into the role of death in postmodern societies. Consequently, it highlights the need for further research into how traditional rituals, like grave visits, have evolved and changed in the digital realm.

Influence of Online Gaming on Behavior of Gamers in Pakistan

This study reveals that online video games have emerged as a novel platform for social interaction, wherein numerous gaming options facilitate player’s competition and collective interaction within the virtual realm. Gamers have increasingly begun to form distinct virtual social communities due to the inherent capacity of these games to facilitate social networking in a multiplayer online setting. This phenomenon has given rise to a unique social dynamic among video game enthusiasts. The present study delves into an exploration of the social gaming behaviour exhibited by participants engaged in multiplayer online games. Additionally, it seeks to establish a correlation between virtual and real-world behaviours by examining the relationship between destructive and constructive social behaviours and the dominance and affiliation dimensions of social interaction. 
 Purpose: Online gaming has become a unique phenomenon among the young players with a significant influence on them. The basic objective of this study was to determine the social interaction caused by online gaming among young game players. This study conducted in Pakistani perspective has achieved the objections set to analyze the influence of online gaming and increased level of social interaction. 
 Design/Methodology/Approach: To conduct this investigation, an online survey was administered to individuals who regularly engage in multiplayer gaming activities and dedicate a substantial portion of their daily time to gaming. The study sample consisted of 200 gamers spanning an age range of 16 to 30 years.
 Findings: The results of this inquiry shed light on the prevalence of pro-social behaviour and anti-social behaviour, characterized by constructive and destructive actions among gamers, respectively. Furthermore, the study reveals that destructive behaviour negatively predicts affiliation, while constructive behaviour has a positive predictive influence on affiliation. Moreover, certain demographic variables, such as age and gender, exert a significant impact on the prediction of dominance within the gaming community. The findings of this study provide substantial support for the notion that virtual social interactions have a notable influence on real-world behaviours, underscoring the interconnectedness between the online gaming environment and broader social dynamics.
 Implications/Originality/Value: Online gaming has become a common practice not only among young adults but also among the minors. Thus, this phenomenon has reduced physical activities among the youth and even among the school going children. This study may provide an insight into the matter and possible appropriate recommendations as well.

A comprehensive digital twin framework for building environment monitoring with emphasis on real-time data connectivity and predictability

The concept of digital twins, initially developed in manufacturing, has found applications in various industries. However, its adoption in the construction field is still nascent, with a limited understanding of its benefits and implications. Existing examples of digital twin implementation in construction mainly provide general frameworks or possibilities for performance. To effectively harness the potential of digital twins in construction, establishing connectivity and predictability for data exchange between the physical and virtual realms is crucial. This research defines the essential requirements for real-time connectivity and predictability in digital twin implementation and proposes a framework and architecture based on these principles. The proposed method is evaluated through the implementation of a digital twin for monitoring the environmental performance of existing buildings, revealing its effectiveness and challenges. This study serves as a valuable exemplar for the development of a digital twin platform dedicated to construction monitoring.

VTubers and pandemic in China

Considering the current landscape of cultural product consumption through digital platforms, this study aimed to understand the exponential growth process of the VTuber segment in China, amidst the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. This research revealed the complexity involved in this development due to the intersection of factors unique to China, stemming from a very particular context regarding the degree of participation and the consequent intensity, as well as the networks established, albeit indirectly, by public and private entities. Through a literature review from a narrative perspective, case studies on prominent Chinese VTubers, and an analysis of the breadth of their engagement beyond live interactions with their fans, the study unveiled the emergence of new aesthetics and new possibilities for para-social relationships within this virtual realm. It also indicated a greater involvement in other sectors, such as services and public relations, thereby hybridizing and generating a distinct model for this phenomenon. This led us to conclude that this cultural product has found additional niches in China and is likely to expand into more, especially as the offering of an increasingly potent internet becomes more widespread among the population. Lastly, the unique Chinese context for products in this cultural industry domain underscored the robustness of its hybrid model and points toward a paradigm shift in the creation, performance, and consumption patterns related to VTubers, which may be replicable in other countries.

English Language Learning in the Metaverse: Exploring the Potential of AR and VR

The rapid advancement of technology has opened up new avenues for language education, with the metaverse emerging as a promising frontier. This transformative virtual realm, powered by Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR), holds immense potential for revolutionizing English Language Learning (ELL) by offering immersive, interactive, and personalized experiences. This paper delves into the untapped potential of AR and VR in ELL, exploring their transformative capabilities in fostering language acquisition. The main objective of this paper is to explore the untapped potential of Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) in English Language Learning (ELL). The paper also addresses potential challenges and considerations for implementing AR and VR in ELL. AR seamlessly integrates digital elements into the real world, enabling learners to interact with virtual English language content in their immediate surroundings, enhancing comprehension and retention. VR, on the other hand, creates fully immersive virtual environments that transport learners to English-speaking settings, providing authentic language exposure and opportunities for real-time communication. AI has made significant advancements and is transforming various industries, there is a growing concern about its social and ethical implications. This research gap encompasses several areas that require further investigation and exploration in future. Based on the discussion of the potential of AR and VR in English language learning (ELL), some further recommendations and suggestions for future research are also given.

THE USE OF VIRTUAL REALITY AND ITS IMPACTION REGARDING LEARNING ATTITUDE AMONG YOUNG ADULTS IN BANGI, SELANGOR, MALAYSIA

Virtual Reality (VR) technology is a computer-based simulation system designed to create novel learning experiences within a virtual realm. VR establishes a simulated environment that has significant impact one's attitude toward learning. This new environment enables interaction with three-dimensional, dynamic views, thereby influencing physical learning behaviour. Virtual reality is a crucial component of the innovation process, facilitating real-time interaction within simulations and representing cutting-edge technology for enhanced comprehension of products. In contrast, traditional learning methods tend to be monotonous, whereas current educational approaches prioritise interactivity, saving time, fostering positive learning attitudes among young individuals, and enabling learning at any location and time. The primary objective of this study is to investigate the acceptance and utilisation of virtual reality among young adults and its effect on learning attitudes. One of the notable advancements in VR technology is its integration into educational institutions, with universities and schools emphasising alternative learning methods. This observation highlights the significance of embracing VR in a world increasingly focused on digitalisation. The study employs a quantitative methodology, utilising face-to-face surveys involving questionnaire distribution to a sample of 200 young adults within the Bangi, Selangor, Malaysia. The research findings reveal that Virtual Reality Hedonic Motivation plays a significant role in shaping the Behavioural Intention to use virtual learning (as indicated by a Pearson correlation of r=.726 and Regression R2 = .527). This result indicates that, VR is accepted as an alternative learning method, especially within the context of Malaysia, where online digitalisation is gaining prominence within the education sector. This discussion on existing literature provide valuable insights for future researchers seeking to enhance the learning attitudes of young adults through the integration of VR technology.

Envisioning Digital Practices in the Metaverse: A Methodological Perspective

Researchers are exploring methods that exploit digital twins as all-purpose abstractions for sophisticated modelling and simulation, bringing elements of the real world into the virtual realm. Digital twins are essential elements of the digital transformation of society, which mostly benefit manufacturing, smart cities, healthcare contexts, and in general systems that include humans in the loop. As the metaverse concept continues to evolve, the line separating the virtual and the real will progressively fade away. Considering the metaverse’s goal to emulate our social reality, it becomes essential to examine the aspects that characterise real-world interaction practices and explicitly model both physical and social contexts. While the unfolding metaverse may reshape these practices in distinct ways from their real-world counterparts, our position is that it is essential to incorporate social theories into the modelling processes of digital twins within the metaverse. In this work, we discuss our perspective by introducing a digital practice model inspired by the theory of social practice. We illustrate this model by exploiting the scenario of a virtual grocery shop designed to help older adults reduce their social isolation.

Unleashing Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) in Resolving Complex Legal- Technical Issues Arising in Cyberspace Lensing E-Commerce and Intellectual Property: Proliferation of E-Commerce Digital Economy

The rapid growth of cyberspace has brought about numerous legal and technical challenges, often requiring innovative solutions for effective dispute resolution. The exponential growth of the digital era has ushered in a dynamic landscape known as cyberspace, replete with intricate legal and technical challenges. The online interactions and intellectual property rights become increasingly prevalent, that’s why the disputes and conflicts arise within this virtual realm. Navigating these multifaceted complexities requires innovative approaches to dispute resolution that transcend traditional legal paradigms. Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) emerges as a compelling solution offering a versatile toolkit for resolving disputes that meld intricate legal considerations with complex technological dimensions. By probing the depths of its methodologies, exploring its advantages and limitations, and addressing the integration of technical expertise into the dispute resolution process, we pave the way for an in-depth understanding of how ADR not only bridges the gap between law and technology but also propels the evolution of dispute resolution mechanisms in the ever-evolving realm of cyberspace. The paper explores the applicability of ADR methods, such as mediation, arbitration, and negotiation, to navigate complex disputes in online environments, focusing on e-commerce and intellectual property realms. By analyzing legal frameworks and practical implications, this paper highlights the benefits and challenges of employing ADR to resolve intricate disputes arising in the digital landscape.