Exploring Digital Vā: A Scoping Review of Conceptualisations of Vā in Digital Spaces

Abstract

The well‐being of young people globally is a key concern for many. In Aotearoa New Zealand, Pacific people are the youngest ethnic population, and Pacific youth experience complex well‐being challenges related to socio‐economic inequality and diverse identities. However, recent research indicates that Pacific youth are navigating new forms of social and cultural connection, including in digital spaces. This article presents the findings of a scoping review focused on digital vā, a pan‐Pacific relational ontology, and its relationship to well‐being, applied to an online gaming context. Conducted according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, 670 studies were identified, of which 17 met the inclusion criteria. Findings indicate a scarcity of literature focused on Pacific youth, digital vā and online gaming, underscoring the need to explore how Pacific youth engage emerging digital spaces in relation to their well‐being from their own perspectives in a future‐focused manner.