New Audience Experiences Shaped by Digital Interaction in Performing Arts: The Impact on Changes in Mental Health Perception and Immersion

This study explores the impact of digital technology on audience participation through the performance of <Mental Health and Data>.The research methodology involved conducting in-depth interviews with audience members who attended the performance and analyzing the results using qualitative analysis methods.The findings indicate that digital technology provides a platform for selfexpression related to mental health, challenges social prejudices and stigmas, and promotes changes in individuals' attitudes and behaviors.Participants evaluated that their engagement through metaverse platforms and web services contributed to the immersion in the performance and the formation of expectations about the theme.However, they pointed out that inconsistent utilization of digital technology could reduce the audience's immersion.Consequently, the importance of balance and integration between digital technology and information delivery in performances was emphasized.The research suggests that digital technology has the potential to enhance audience participation and immersion while changing social perceptions of mental health.In the future, performance producers can explore ways to maximize the audience's immersion and learning experience through audiencecentered design and the integration of consistent digital participation mechanisms.The results of this study can provide valuable insights for designing and improving audience participation strategies using digital technology in the performing arts field.Furthermore, it can contribute to seeking effective ways to utilize digital technology to change audience perceptions and form attitudes in performances dealing with social issues such as mental health.