Virtual Presence in Immersive Metaverse-enabling Environments: Being There, Being with Another, and Being the Actual Self

Experiencing virtual presence can be associated with various positive outcomes in immersive metaverse-enabling environments. However, we do not adequately understand how to induce virtual presence in such environments, which can hinder users from fully benefiting from their interactions in the metaverse. To address this gap, we conducted a scoping review in which we examined empirical studies that focus on virtual presence in immersive metaverse-enabling environments and identified factors associated with various dimensions of presence (such as spatial presence, social presence, and self-presence). By analyzing relevant studies, we identified the critical factors that influence virtual presence in metaverse environments. In particular, we identified technological, contextual, and individual factors that contribute to the dimensions of virtual presence. We also derived preliminary design principles based on our analysis. Our design principles emphasize the importance of aligning virtual environments with users’ physical movements and stance, providing appropriate sensory cues, and enabling user interactions with virtual characters in inducing virtual presence. Overall, this study provides clarity on the factors that affect presence in immersive metaverse-enabling environments and offers insightful guidance for designing and evaluating such environments relative to virtual presence.