Avhjaping

Avhjaping is a term used primarily in speculative fiction and online hobbyist communities to describe a deliberately staged form of sensory-imagery practice. In most depictions, avhjaping involves participants guiding each other through imagined scenes with synchronized cues to evoke immersive experiences. It is not recognized as a real-world technique in psychology, neuroscience, or medicine.

Etymology in fiction varies; the word is often described as a constructed compound blending invented phonemes with the English word aping, implying imitation or projection. Usage differs by author or community, but a common thread is the deliberate projection of sensory and emotional states to others through imagination rather than external stimuli.

History and context: The concept emerged in online forums and indie role-playing circles in the 2020s, with examples appearing in collaborative stories and game supplements. There are no formal guidelines or empirical studies; most references are user-generated descriptions or narratives.

Practice and ethics: Practitioners typically emphasize consent, safety boundaries, time limits, and an opt-out mechanism. Debriefing after sessions is common. Critics warn that focusing on immersive states can blur lines between fiction and perceived reality and may not be suitable for all participants.

See also: immersive role-playing, imaginative projection, collaborative storytelling.