Abstract Understanding how immersive experiences foster a sense of presence sufficient to rival real‐world experiences remains an open research area. Prior work has largely examined episodic memory recall in simulated environments, but less is known about how immersive technologies can reconnect individuals with personal memories. This study investigated whether 360‐degree video could evoke recollections tied to a specific life period. Former college students, all new to immersive environments, participated in a virtual tour designed to resemble familiar campus settings. We used qualitative coding to capture patterns and themes related to the sense of presence in immersive environments experiences. Qualitative analysis of commentary throughout the experience and post‐interview reflections was used to identify key findings, major themes, and patterns among the participant narratives. Participants recalled stories from their college years during and after the experience, indicating that immersion supported the retrieval of autobiographical memories. These findings demonstrate the potential of immersive environments to evoke hiraeth —a nostalgic longing for a home that no longer exists—and to function as “memory capsules” that preserve personal experiences. The results demonstrate the emotional capabilities of immersive reality and suggest new directions for designing immersive technologies that support memory, emotional well‐being, and the mitigation of nostalgia‐related distress.
Mi et al. (Fri,) studied this question.