Rapid urbanization and information technology has reduced human
connection and a sense of regional community among local
populations around the world. This may have led to a decrease
in people’s sense of belonging and feelings of fellowship
toward their neighbors and towns. We hypothesized that one’s
sense of belonging and feelings of fellowship toward their
town will increase after hearing the sounds of town clock
bells. This study examined participants in a virtual scene inwhich they heard the sound of a bell signaling every hour.
We assessed how listening to the sound of the bell influenced
participants’ feelings of community membership and
whether viewing particular scenes and the sound increased
these feelings and participants’ sense of belonging. Results
showed that for scenes involving an overhead view of the
bell, participants reported an increased immersive experience