Using virtual reality to share memories can increase group bonding
A new study has found that revisiting past positive social interactions in virtual reality (VR) can strengthen bonds.
The findings were featured in “Virtual placemaking: self-built environments and revisiting shared memories in virtual reality increase group cohesion” by Eugy Han, University of Florida College of Journalism and Communications Media Production, Management, and Technology assistant professor and Stanford University scholars Portia Wang, Monique Santoso, Tara Srirangarajan and Jeremy N Bailenson. The article was published in the Journal of Computer-Mediated Communication, Volume 31, Issue 1, Jan. 2026.
The longitudinal exploratory study investigated how collectively revisiting shared real-world social interactions differs from envisioning plausible interactions in VR, and how experiencing self-built virtual environments or those built by others influences psychological and behavioral outcomes.
According to the authors, “We studied how collectively revisiting shared memories and envisioning plausible interactions in VR differentially impact psychological and behavioral outcomes. Experiencing self-built virtual replicas during revisiting or envisioning, compared to other-built replicas, increased group cohesion and collective psychological ownership of virtual environments.”
They add, “Our findings highlight the potential of revisiting shared memories in self-built immersive environments for fostering group cohesion and eliciting behavioral change. As we move toward a future in which we can reexperience meaningful places from our past with great fidelity, emerging technology may continue to redefine what it means to revisit shared memories.”
Category: AI at CJC News, College News
Tagged: Eugy Han MPMT virtual reality
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