The More Dazzling the Technology, the Thinner the Culture? A Flow Theory Reflection on the "Superficialization" Dilemma of AR Cultural Tourism and Industry Transformation Pathways

Zepeng Zhao

doi:10.62051/ajmse.v1n4.02

Authors

Zepeng Zhao Xi'an International Studies University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710061, China

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.62051/ajmse.v1n4.02

Keywords:

AR Cultural Tourism, Cultural Immersion, Flow Theory, Cognitive Load, Experience Optimization, Industry Transformation

Abstract

Driven by "technological showmanship," AR cultural tourism experiences exhibit a "superficialization" dilemma characterized by excessive sensory immersion yet insufficient cultural understanding, forming a paradox of "the more immersed in technology, the more alienated from culture." Based on the "challenge-skill balance" framework of Flow Theory and introducing Cognitive Load Theory as an analytical tool, this study diagnoses the flow disruption mechanism caused by cognitive overload and insufficient interaction depth in AR experiences. The findings reveal three interrelated problems in current AR cultural tourism projects: overdevelopment of sensory immersion, superficiality of interaction forms, and absence of meaning construction. The root causes lie in challenge-skill imbalance, alienation of immediate feedback, and the overshadowing of cultural goals by technological goals. Accordingly, this paper proposes three macro-level optimization pathways for the AR cultural tourism industry: constructing a hierarchical narrative system, establishing industry-wide cognitive load regulation standards, and advocating "blank space" design ethics, providing theoretical foundations and strategic references for the transformation of AR cultural tourism from an "attention economy" to an "experience economy."

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