Can Virtual Reality Change Minds?

Area of Science:

• Media Studies
• Psychology
• Journalism Studies

Background:

• Immersive journalism, particularly virtual reality (VR), is explored for its potential to influence audience perceptions.
• Understanding audience responses to marginalized groups, such as refugees, is crucial in contemporary media landscapes.
• Traditional 2D media formats may elicit different psychological and attitudinal outcomes compared to immersive experiences.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the impact of VR immersive journalism on audience attitudes toward refugees.
• To compare the affective and cognitive mechanisms triggered by VR versus 2D viewing formats.
• To assess the role of VR in fostering empathic engagement and behavioral intentions.

Main Methods:

• Four focus group sessions were conducted with 32 participants in Northern Cyprus.
• A 360-degree VR documentary was compared with a traditional 2D version of the same content.
• Data were collected through participant reflections on presence, emotional proximity, perspective-taking, and attitudinal changes.

Main Results:

• Participants experiencing the VR documentary reported heightened presence, emotional connection, and perspective-taking.
• VR exposure correlated with a positive shift in participants' views toward refugees.
• 2D viewing led to emotional discomfort but minimal attitudinal change, suggesting maintained psychological distancing.

Conclusions:

• Immersive journalism via VR can act as a catalyst for short-term attitudinal shifts, especially in sensitive political contexts.
• VR elicits embodied emotional responses that traditional media struggle to replicate, impacting audience perception.
• Immersive media demonstrate relevance for journalism, audience engagement, and public understanding of marginalized populations.