TY - GEN
T1 - Sacred Spaces in the Digital Age
T2 - IMX '24: 2024 ACM International Conference on Interactive Media Experiences
AU - Laato, Samuli
AU - Rauti, Sampsa
AU - Laato, Anni Maria
AU - Al‐Msallam, Samaan
AU - Jung, Sangwon
AU - Sutinen, Erkki
AU - Hamari, Juho
PY - 2024/6/7
Y1 - 2024/6/7
N2 - The concepts of sacred places and spaces appear throughout religions globally. Places such as churches, cathedrals, temples, mosques, synagogues and graveyards are given special meanings, both functionally and spiritually, and separated from the ordinary. Recently location-based augmented reality (AR) technologies and applications have become widespread, and this raises questions regarding how AR content relates to sacred places. In this study, we approached this complex topic by asking clergy of the Lutheran Christian Church (N=47) to reflect on associated phenomena. We approached the data via reflexive thematic analysis and uncovered tensions related to (1) connected vs detached from sacredness; (2) supporting the spiritual purpose of the space vs conflicting with it; and (3) maintaining tradition vs embracing innovation. Overall, our findings suggest that AR technologies and products impact sacred spaces on multiple levels, but currently there is no consensus among the clergy on the impact of these changes.
AB - The concepts of sacred places and spaces appear throughout religions globally. Places such as churches, cathedrals, temples, mosques, synagogues and graveyards are given special meanings, both functionally and spiritually, and separated from the ordinary. Recently location-based augmented reality (AR) technologies and applications have become widespread, and this raises questions regarding how AR content relates to sacred places. In this study, we approached this complex topic by asking clergy of the Lutheran Christian Church (N=47) to reflect on associated phenomena. We approached the data via reflexive thematic analysis and uncovered tensions related to (1) connected vs detached from sacredness; (2) supporting the spiritual purpose of the space vs conflicting with it; and (3) maintaining tradition vs embracing innovation. Overall, our findings suggest that AR technologies and products impact sacred spaces on multiple levels, but currently there is no consensus among the clergy on the impact of these changes.
U2 - 10.1145/3639701.3656326
DO - 10.1145/3639701.3656326
M3 - Conference contribution
SN - 9798400705038
SN - 9798400705038
SN - 9798400705038
SN - 979-8-4007-0503-8
T3 - IMX 2024 - Proceedings of the 2024 ACM International Conference on Interactive Media Experiences
SP - 256
EP - 267
BT - IMX 2024 - Proceedings of the 2024 ACM International Conference on Interactive Media Experiences
PB - ACM
Y2 - 12 June 2024 through 14 June 2024
ER -