Does VR have a special power to induce empathy, more than other media? Is it possible in some contexts it can, and others not, and what are the specifics of those contexts? Why do people have such strong opposing feelings about this? Come ready to class to discuss, and include a discussion question in your post.
I think VR has the potential to change our perspective on viewing the world or use the lens of a targeted community to see the content provided. However, I believe it is just the same on other forms of media if it is depicted in a first-person perspective. Take Cloud Over Sidra as an example, a photo can be taken with the perspective of a refugee in Jordan, a video can be shot with a go pro camera, even a story could be written in a first-person perspective. I think VR can only make the experience more immersive but barely more empathic. I bet those people from UN arent doing shit, and the elites from World Economic Forum are not going to make much difference for the situation in the refugee camp, because this form of empathy is limited and ephemeral. To be honest, If I watch his documentary on VR, I would be empathetic, but I don’t think I would contribute to being helpful.
One example I came up with of how VR could result in difference is building a reward-driven simulator or game. For example, a VR afforestation simulator with a detailed and accurate planting process, which the player could get immediate rewards and satisfaction could promote environmental awareness. To make the message stronger, the game needs to be more interesting and attractive. It should have an elaborate world-building context and storyline that drive the players to do the desired things. For example, the player’s goal is to restore the ecosystem in a post-apocalyptic world.