Insecto Aid: An Augmented Reality Mobile Application on Entomophobia Treatment

Abstract

Entomophobia is a fear of insects that is abnormal and persistent. People who suffer from entomophobia are generally aware that being terrified of something that represents no threat is nonsensical, but they have no control over it. Exposure therapy, Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), and medicines have all been used to treat entomophobia. In Malaysia, entomophobia is not as prevalent as it is in the United States. Malaysians are no strangers to insects and bugs, as we are surrounded by rainforests and jungles. Malaysians, unfortunately, suffer from this special anxiety. It is simply not discussed as much as other phobias. Fear of insects may be amusing to some, but it has serious consequences for those who suffer from it. The goal of this research is to introduce an augmented reality (AR) mobile application as an alternative therapy treatment for people who suffer from entomophobia. The software is designed to give users a taste of both the real world and augmented insects as a treatment before they have to deal with them in a real-life situation. It is envisaged that this mobile application will be an effective alternative tool in the treatment of entomophobia by ensuring a secure environment in which the scenario can be regulated by the user and thereby focusing on entomophobia awareness. The waterfall model was chosen as the primary methodology for creating the Augmented Reality mobile app.