Phantom sense is a sensory phenomenon of apparent sensations like touch reported by users of virtual reality (VR) platforms. It refers to physical sensations—such as touch, temperature, or pain—perceived without actual physical stimuli, often when interacting with virtual objects or avatars.[1][2]

Overview

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Phantom sense typically occurs during VR experiences using head-mounted displays (HMDs). Though most VR systems only deliver visual and auditory stimuli, users often report sensations including touch, temperature, and motion despite absent physical stimuli.[1][3][4] The term is widely used in online VR communities, especially in VRChat,[1] and has recently gained attention in scientific research.[5][6]

Academic terms associated with the phenomenon include Phantom Tactile Sensation (PTS), Phantom Touch Illusion (PTI), and Virtual Touch. Some researchers have connected the experience to multisensory integration, synesthesia, and tactile prediction effects.[6][7]

Mechanisms

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Cross-modal perception

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Cross-modal sensory integration is believed to be a key mechanism. For example, users report feeling weak tingling in their body parts that are either touched by other VR users or that they touch themselves.[1][6][7] This tingling sensation was hypothesised to reflect predictive cancellation neural signals meant to intercept, but not encountering, incoming tactile signalling from the skin.[6]

See also

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References

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  1. ^ a b c d Nem, Virtual Girl. "VR感覚(ファントムセンス)とは何か?その定義と原理について" [What is Phantom Sense? Definitions and Mechanisms]. Note.com, 4 June 2021. Updated 13 February 2024. Retrieved 18 July 2025.
  2. ^ Chen, Qijia; Spapé, Michiel M.; Jacucci, Giulio (2024). "Understanding Phantom Tactile Sensation on Commercially Available Social Virtual Reality Platforms". Proceedings of the ACM on Human-Computer Interaction. CSCW1, Vol. 8: Article 141. doi:10.1145/3637418. Retrieved 18 July 2025.
  3. ^ "Student helps virtual reality users experience phantom touch". Retrieved 2025-08-04.
  4. ^ Miller, Max (2025-02-06). "What Is Phantom Sense? The Unique VR Sensory Experience Explained". SlashGear. Retrieved 2025-08-04.
  5. ^ XRCloud. "ファントムセンスとは?VR感覚との違いや起こる現象を紹介" [What is Phantom Sense? Differences from VR Sense and Common Experiences]. 24 November 2022. Retrieved 18 July 2025.
  6. ^ a b c d Pilacinski, Artur; Metzler, Marita; Klaes, Christian (2023). "Phantom touch illusion: A perceptual phenomenon in virtual reality modulated by the real-time violation of body ownership". Scientific Reports. 13 (1): 15453. doi:10.1038/s41598-023-42683-0. Retrieved 18 July 2025.
  7. ^ a b Alexdottir, Sasha; Yang, Xiaosong (2022). "Phantom Touch Phenomenon as a Manifestation of the Visual-Auditory-Tactile Synesthesia and Its Impact on the Users in Virtual Reality". IEEE ISMAR Adjunct. pp. 727–732. doi:10.1109/ISMAR-Adjunct57072.2022.00218. Retrieved 18 July 2025.