Special session 4:
Immersive Geographies: Rethinking Space, Presence, Identity, Impact and Power in XR, VR and the Metaverse

The rapid expansion of immersive digital environments—including Virtual Reality (VR), Augmented Reality (AR), Extended Reality (XR), and Metaverse—is redefining spatial experiences, human interactions, and perceptions of identity. These evolving technologies blur the boundaries between physical and digital spaces, challenging conventional notions of territory, governance, and mobility. As individuals navigate hybrid environments, the dynamics of presence, embodiment, and agency become increasingly complex, influencing social interactions and digital behaviours.

This session explores how immersive technologies construct new spatial imaginaries and digital landscapes, critically examining the power dynamics, inequalities, and infrastructures that shape these emerging virtual geographies. In this field, questions arose, such as: How do avatars and digital selves influence identity formation in XR/VR spaces? In what ways do immersive technologies reinforce or disrupt social hierarchies and accessibility to digital environments? How does the fusion of digital and physical spaces impact cognitive, behavioral, and emotional engagement within these landscapes?

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We welcome interdisciplinary perspectives that address the theoretical, critical, and empirical aspects of immersive digital spaces, particularly focusing on themes such as:  

- Cartographies of the Metaworlds: Mapping digital territories and their spatial implications.  
- Spatial Justice in Immersive Worlds: Examining inclusion, exclusion, and access to virtual spaces.  
- Avatars, Identity, and Socialization: Investigating the role of digital embodiments in XR/VR interactions.  
- Hybrid Geographies and Agency: Understanding how users negotiate presence and control in virtual environments.  
By bridging discussions across geography, digital humanities, and social sciences, this session aims to advance critical understandings of immersive geographies and their transformative impact on society.