Building digital bridges for migrant communities
PhD student Nishadi Ariyasinghe's research on culturally sensitive digital interventions using virtual reality, is helping migrants find belonging in their new homes, and draws on her own experience as an international student.
When Nishadi first arrived in Aotearoa New Zealand from Sri Lanka, she experienced the disconnection that many migrants feel in a new country. Her journey has now become the foundation for her research at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington, where she's developing innovative solutions to combat loneliness among migrant communities.
"Loneliness is a subjective emotional state which occurs when people don't have the social connections they expect," Nishadi explains. "For migrants, this often comes from missing their home culture, family, and sense of identity, making it harder to feel connected in their new country."
Her research focuses on how immersive technologies, particularly social virtual reality (VR) experiences, can help migrants reconnect with their cultural identity and build meaningful relationships. With the World Health Organization declaring loneliness a global public health concern, her work has taken on new urgency.
"Statistics in Aotearoa have identified that being a migrant has more risk of feeling lonely," she explains. "Since almost one-third of the country's population is made up of migrants, improving their mental wellbeing is crucial."
Through extensive surveys and interviews with both migrants experiencing loneliness, and professionals who work with migrant communities, Nishadi has uncovered fascinating insights. Migrants deeply miss participating in traditional festivals, with New Year celebrations being particularly significant across different ethnicities. Current solutions often fall short because they fail to capture the same cultural experience.
"Cultural meetups and traditional events are not always effective because migrants still miss the pre and post festive routines carried out in their home country and the atmosphere during the festive season," she observes.
Her current project involves developing a social VR application specifically for the Sri Lankan community, allows users to virtually experience New Year celebration routines from their homeland. This approach acknowledges that loneliness and cultural connections are deeply personal experiences that require tailored solutions.
Nishadi began her studies at the University of Ruhuna in Sri Lanka, where she studied Computer Science. Her fascination with human psychology alongside her technical expertise naturally led her to the field of Digital Mental Health.
"I've always been curious about how people's emotions work and how they react based on how they feel," she shares. "With a background in Computer Science and a strong interest in human psychology, I became fascinated by Digital Mental Health—using technology to better understand and support people's emotional well-being."
Choosing Te Herenga Waka for her PhD was a deliberate decision, influenced by both the university's research strengths and Aotearoa New Zealand's natural beauty. "I chose New Zealand because I've always loved to experience the calmness and beauty of nature," she says. The university's focus on human-computer interaction and immersive technologies, along with the expertise of her supervisors Dr Simon McCallum and Dr Craig Anslow, created the perfect environment for her interdisciplinary research.
Beyond her academic work, Nishadi has embraced numerous opportunities at the university. She participates in the Wellington International Leadership Program and Wellington Plus Program, serves as a Student Ambassador, volunteers with International Student Support, and attends English Conversational Hour. These experiences have enriched her PhD journey and helped her connect with Wellington's diverse community.
Recently, Nishadi participated in a summit for women in leadership, where she particularly enjoyed the "Unconference Leadership" workshop sessions. "These sessions encouraged open dialogue, fostering an environment where everybody could speak and express their ideas without judgement," she reflects.
Her personal experience with loneliness has shaped not just her research but her philosophy on overcoming it. "As a migrant student in a new country, I've learned that instead of waiting for others to fix my loneliness, I need to take the initiative to find my own sense of belonging," she shares. "Not everyone may have the mental strength to do this, but it's always worth trying."