Researchers at Lancaster University have identified “para-terrestrial dark tourism,” a phenomenon where people explore unsettling digital environments like the “Backrooms” rather than physical locations. This trend involves engaging with non-physical, collaborative online spaces to experience intense emotions, curiosity, and community through shared virtual storytelling.
What is para-terrestrial dark tourism?
Traditional dark tourism involves visiting real locations linked to tragedy or history. Para-terrestrial dark tourism differs because the destinations do not exist in the physical world. According to research co-authored by Dr. Sophie James and Professor James Cronin from Lancaster University Management School (LUMS), these “destinations” are entirely virtual.
The term “para-terrestrial” describes environments that feel like real places but exist beyond conventional geography. These spaces, such as the endless, empty office corridors of the “Backrooms,” are built through collective digital participation. Users do not visit a coordinate on a map; they enter a shared psychological and digital space.
The study, published in Annals of Tourism Research, suggests that these environments emerge from loosely regulated corners of the internet. Here, communities use collaborative storytelling to transform impossible, eerie spaces into meaningful destinations for exploration.
Why do people explore non-existent digital worlds?
The draw to these spaces stems from a desire for intense emotional experiences. Dr. Sophie James, Lecturer in the Department of Marketing at LUMS, states that people are increasingly attracted to spaces that feel vivid and meaningful despite lacking physical reality. These digital worlds allow for an engagement with uncertainty and discomfort that feels significant to the participant.
A highly active community of “legend-trippers” drives this engagement. These individuals build the worlds by sharing:
- Videos.
- Stories.
- Diary entries and other creative material.
This participation creates a sense of belonging. Rather than being passive observers, users become part of the destination’s creation. This collective effort turns a simple digital image into a complex, immersive world that people “tour” through their screens.
How will digital participation change the meaning of a destination?
The findings suggest a fundamental shift in how the tourism industry defines a “destination.” The Lancaster University research indicates that the internet can now operate as a destination in its own right.
In this new model, platforms become participatory, self-contained environments. This moves the concept of tourism away from static sites toward flexible, creative spaces built through digital interaction. This evolution suggests several future trends for digital engagement:
- The Rise of Participatory Tourism: Future “travel” may rely less on visiting a place and more on contributing to its narrative.
- Blurring of Fiction and Reality: As digital spaces become more immersive, the distinction between a fictional setting and a “place” will continue to erode.
- Emotional-Driven Exploration: Digital destinations may prioritize the “vibe” or emotional resonance of a space over its historical or physical attributes.
This shift raises questions about how society manages risk and ambiguity in digitally mediated worlds. As these virtual environments become more sophisticated, the way people experience “presence” will likely continue to transform.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between dark tourism and para-terrestrial dark tourism?
Dark tourism involves visiting real locations linked to tragedy or history. Para-terrestrial dark tourism involves exploring virtual, non-physical spaces like the “Backrooms” that exist only through digital culture.
What are the “Backrooms”?
The Backrooms are a viral internet phenomenon consisting of imagined, eerie, and empty digital spaces, such as endless office hallways or abandoned basements, explored through collaborative storytelling.
Who conducted this research?
The research was conducted by Dr. Sophie James and Professor James Cronin from Lancaster University Management School (LUMS) and published in the journal Annals of Tourism Research.
What do you think about the rise of virtual destinations? Could digital spaces ever replace physical travel for some? Let us know in the comments below or subscribe to our newsletter for more insights into emerging technology trends.
