Awe, a complex emotion composed by the appraisal components of vastness and need for accommodation, is a profound and often meaningful experience. Despite its importance, psychologists have only recently begun empirical study of awe. At the experimental level, a main issue concerns how to elicit high intensity awe experiences in the lab. To address this issue, Virtual Reality (VR) has been proposed as a potential solution. Here, we considered the highest realistic form of VR: immersive videos. 42 participants watched at immersive and normal 2D videos displaying an awe or a neutral content. After the experience, they rated their level of awe and sense of presence. Participants’ psychophysiological responses (BVP, SC, sEMG) were recorded during the whole video exposure. We hypothesized that the immersive video condition would increase the intensity of awe experienced compared to 2D screen videos. Results indicated that immersive videos significantly enhanced the self-reported intensity of awe as well as the sense of presence. Immersive videos displaying an awe content also led to higher parasympathetic activation. These findings indicate the advantages of using VR in the experimental study of awe, with methodological implications for the study of other emotions.

As is the case for many innovative devices that require a novel user-technology interaction, the question\ud of future consumer acceptance is central for the correct utilization of Advanced Driver Assistance Systems\ud (ADAS). But since acceptance can be determined only after the direct use of the device, information that\ud aims to promote its use should focus on improving initial acceptability before use. Acceptability is the\ud attitude toward a new device before its use, and it can be influenced by information gathered about\ud the device. The aim of the present work is to explore the influence of the quality of information about\ud the device on the acceptability of ADAS. In particular, the paper explores how information about limitations\ud and levels of automation of a advanced collision warning system (CWS) affects initial acceptability\ud of naïve potential future buyers of cars equipped with Advanced Driver Assistance Systems.\ud A total of 527 novice drivers (both male and female) rated a CWS presented as either fully automated\ud with auto-brake or partially-automated and either with or without explicit mention of its use applicability\ud and limitations. Results show that the quantity and quality of information on device-specific features\ud can systematically change the initial acceptability of the safety device. Pleasantness of use and perceived\ud benefits for safety were found to be the most important factors for the novice drivers