Immersive technologies such as virtual reality (VR) have prompted a new wave of persuasive media content, aimed at augmenting the effects of traditional media using the new, more engrossing dimension of experiences mediated through the technological modality. The touted potentials of such media formats have caused a polarization in public opinion, with proponents often exaggerating the possible benefits and global prosocial implications, and critics diminishing its effects describing the added immersiveness of media as a fluke with very little real-world implications or emphasizing its dangers as a propaganda weapon.
“Could our attitudes about a group of people change more prominently if we are technologically more engrossed in an individual’s story? If so, and if we are more emotionally affected, what effects can we consequently see in our recollection of the story? I believe these are the most relevant questions we should be asking when discussing new technologies in the context of compassion and building bridges.” says Mila Bujić.
Bujić investigates these and other questions through an experimental study using The Guardian’s video The Sea Prayer. The content is inspired by a tragic event during the Syrian refugee crisis.
“Surprisingly, the article did not seem to affect our participants’ human rights attitudes in any way. However, the difference between viewing the video on a 2D screen and in mobile VR was not as prominent as proposed.” says Mila Bujić.
Immersive journalism in the form of 360-degree videos is now relatively widespread and increasing efforts are being dedicated to developing fully immersive experiences that relay individual stories in an attempt to bridge geographical, cultural, or other gaps and promote prosocial attitudes and behaviours. In that regard, the candidate states that this is an incremental but valuable step in our more nuanced understanding of the influence immersive technologies have on us.
MSc Mila Bujić holds a BA in Ethnology and Anthropology from University of Belgrade, Serbia and MSc in Internet and Game Studies from University of Tampere, Finland. She is currently working as a member of Gamification Group on an Academy of Finland funded project (POSTEMOTION) focusing on user representations and their effects in collaborative social virtual reality.
The doctoral dissertation of MSc (Internet and Game Studies) in the field of Humans & Technologies titled Immersive Persuasiveness: Investigating media effects of 360-degree immersive journalism will be publicly examined in the Faculty of Information Technology and Communication Sciences at Tampere University at 14:00 on Tuesday 07.12.2021, Paavo Koli auditorium of the Pinni A building, Kalevantie 4, Tampere. The Opponent will be Doctor Domna Banakou, University of Barcelona. The Custos will be Professor Juho Hamari, Faculty of Information Technology and Communication Sciences.
The dissertation is available online at the https://trepo.tuni.fi/handle/10024/135612.
The event can be followed at the physical location or via remote connection (Zoom).