Immersive technologies
Are you stepping into virtual worlds, enhanced realities and digital spaces that feel real? Immersive technologies are changing how we interact online – bringing new benefits and risks. Explore them safely to make the most of what they offer.
On this page:
What are immersive technologies?
Immersive technologies are designed to make digitally-created spaces and experiences look, sound and feel as real as possible. They blur the line between the physical world and the online one – engaging our senses in ways that go far beyond scrolling a screen or tapping a keyboard.
This could mean seeing digital objects overlaid on the physical world through your phone (augmented reality), or putting on a headset and stepping into a completely made-up space (virtual reality).
Some technologies even let you feel sensations – such as vibration or pressure – through gloves or suits (haptic technology).
These experiences can range from fully immersive (where you feel like you are transported to another place) to partially immersive (where digital elements are added to your physical surroundings).
How do immersive technologies work?
Most immersive tech combines sensors, computer software and equipment to respond to your movements and environment.
For example, augmented reality apps use your device's camera to detect your surroundings, then layer digital information on top.
A VR headset can track how you move your head so it can adjust what you see, giving the illusion that you’re looking around a three-dimensional (3D) space.
Add in sound, touch and even motion feedback, and you’ve got a system that can make you feel like you’re somewhere else entirely.
In short: immersive technologies are built to make your brain feel like digital experiences are happening right around you.
Types of immersive technology
Here are some of the main types you might come across:
Augmented reality (AR)
Digital images or data are added to the physical environment – like a game character that appears on your street via your phone, or an app that shows you how furniture might look in your living room.
Virtual reality (VR)
Fully digital environments are experienced through devices such as a headset, gloves or haptic suits. Great for games, simulations, or even virtual therapy.
Mixed reality (MR)
A more interactive version of AR, where physical and digital elements respond to each other in real time.
Haptic technology
Devices that simulate senses like touch, such as gloves that let you ‘feel’ digital textures or vests that rumble in response to virtual events.
The benefits of immersive technologies
Immersive tech is popping up in all sorts of spaces – from classrooms and hospitals to online gaming worlds and virtual workplaces.
Designed and used thoughtfully, it can offer powerful benefits.
Learning by doing
Instead of reading about subjects like history or science, you can experience them – such as walking through a digital re-creation of ancient Rome or exploring the solar system in 3D.
Therapy and wellbeing
Some therapists are using VR to help people face fears in safer environments, manage anxiety or recover from trauma.
Accessibility and inclusion
Customised digital spaces can help people with disability engage in activities that might be harder to access in the physical world. AR can also enhance communication – for example, by translating text or speech in real time.
Connection and collaboration
Virtual meeting rooms and shared online spaces allow people to collaborate across great distances in ways that feel more personal than email or video chat.
Creativity
Apart from all the other benefits, there’s also the wonder of exploring or creating new forms of digital spaces and experiences.
The risks of immersive technologies
Of course, it’s not all upside. As with any technology, how it’s designed and used – and who’s using it – is critical. Some of the risks include:
Online safety risks and harms
Just like social media and other online platforms, immersive tech can be misused. Harassment, bullying and antisocial behaviour can still happen and may even feel more intense in immersive spaces. For example, someone stalking your avatar in a virtual environment could still make you feel anxious and threatened, especially if they cross boundaries they would normally respect in person. Research shows anonymity can lower people’s sense of responsibility for their words and actions online.
Children and young people may also stumble across (or seek out) age-inappropriate or distressing content in virtual worlds, impacting their attitudes and wellbeing in ordinary life – especially if safety settings are weak.
Privacy and security concerns
Immersive tech often collects detailed personal data, such as your movements, reactions and biometrics like your voice pattern or facial structure. This raises serious questions about how that data is stored and used, as well as who has access to it.
Not all platforms are upfront about their data practices, and security protections vary. If that data is leaked, hacked or misused, the consequences can be far reaching.
Barriers to access and inclusion
The powerful devices needed for immersive tech – like headsets and haptic suits – can be expensive. This can limit access for many people and communities.
And some design choices can exclude people – such as devices and platforms that are created assuming that users can stand, hear or move in certain ways.
There’s also a risk that bias in virtual environments can copy or worsen bias in the offline world.
Human rights and freedoms
Immersive spaces can challenge our ideas about identity, consent and freedom of speech. For example, how do we deal with harmful behaviour in a virtual world? Who’s responsible when avatars are abused or harassed? Can people report virtual harms to the platforms and expect action to be taken?
How users’ rights are protected while keeping environments safe is an important conversation eSafety is helping to lead. You can read more in our tech trends position statement on immersive technologies.
Advice on immersive technologies
If you or your family or friends are exploring immersive tech, a few simple steps can make a big difference.
Do your homework: Understand what a platform offers – and what data it collects. Check privacy policies and safety tools before signing up.
Start slow and supervise: Start with well-known platforms to build up confidence and safety strategies. Check how kids are using them by exploring the spaces together.
Use privacy and safety settings: Many platforms let you control who can interact with you, what content you see, and what you share.
Watch for signs of distress: Immersive experiences can feel intense. If you or someone you support gets upset, dizzy, anxious or overwhelmed, encourage breaks and offline conversations. Like all tech, it’s important to talk openly about immersive experiences – what’s working, what’s fun, what’s worrying – and what to do if things go wrong.
Collect evidence and report abuse: Most platforms have built-in tools to report bullying, harassment or inappropriate content. If the harm is serious or ongoing, eSafety may be able to help, even with virtual content and experiences. Learn what you can report to eSafety.
Reach out for more help: If immersive experiences cause ongoing distress, it can be helpful to talk about it with a friend, family members or someone else you can trust. You can also contact a free, confidential counselling and support service.
More information
Stay informed: Use trusted sources such as eSafety’s website to keep up with new risks and guidance as the tech evolves. You can also sign up to receive out newsletter.
Do a deeper dive: Check out eSafety’s tech trends position statement on immersive technologies for expert insights into the opportunities, challenges and regulatory issues.
Choose wisely for kids: If you’re deciding on tech gifts for children or young people, our Gift Guide can help you make safer, more informed choices. It includes age tips, safety advice, and things to look out for, with specific guides on:
You can also visit our Parental controls page for tips on setting up safety tools and managing online access at home.
Last updated: 28/05/2025
