ABSTRACT
This chapter provides a short overview of the Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR) technology and, if applicable, some of the associated psychological mechanisms. It presents recent studies that used VR and AR technology for environmental purposes before revealing gaps in research and the limitations that might be considered before using VR and AR in environmental communication. The idea of using sophisticated computer equipment to create digital worlds where users could interact with other people, environments, and objects has existed for more than 50 years. In the context of immersive media, the concept of embodiment refers to the impression of owning and inhabiting another body in a virtual simulation. Several empirical studies have already been published that connect environmental variables with divergent forms of VR technology. Few researchers have considered content or personality variables in experiments on the effects of VR simulations.
