Cai, Wenjie ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1505-7240, McKenna, Brad and Williams, Nigel (2025) Cybersickness in metaverse travel. Current Issues in Tourism. ISSN 1368-3500 (Print), 1747-7603 (Online) (In Press)

PDF (Author's Accepted Manuscript) 51906 CAI_Cybersickness_In_Metaverse_Travel_(AAM)_2025.pdf - Accepted Version Restricted to Repository staff only Download (328kB) | Request a copy

Abstract

While the Metaverse promises transformative tourism experiences, the physiological challenge of cybersickness presents a significant barrier to inclusive adoption. This conceptual paper defines cybersickness in the Metaverse as a condition integrated into the virtual tourism experience itself, operating through locomotion, immersion duration, and perceived motion, rather than a transit issue. We develop a theoretical framework, comprising an Affordance Duality Matrix and a four-dimensional process model, that synthesises Affordance Theory with Sensory Conflict and Postural Instability theories. A key contribution is identifying the temporal paradox where features enabling high-fidelity immersion transition into physiological constraints over time. Furthermore, the framework synthesises these established theories by showing that specific technological designs determine whether conflict leads to instability via sequential or feedback-looped pathways. Finally, the research posits that cybersickness creates a biological digital divide, excluding vulnerable populations based on neurological tolerance. We conclude by advocating for user-centric design to ensure inclusive Metaverse tourism.

Item Type:	Article
Uncontrolled Keywords:	metaverse, virtual world, cybersickness, affordance theory, sensory conflict theory, postural instability theory
Subjects:	G Geography. Anthropology. Recreation > GV Recreation Leisure H Social Sciences > H Social Sciences (General) R Medicine > R Medicine (General) T Technology > T Technology (General)
Faculty / School / Research Centre / Research Group:	Greenwich Business School Greenwich Business School > School of Management and Marketing Greenwich Business School > Tourism and Marketing Research Centre (TMRC)
Last Modified:	08 Dec 2025 11:22
URI:	https://gala.gre.ac.uk/id/eprint/51906

Actions (login required)

View Item

Downloads