Marty Note
Great points by Os

Os Note

Here's a fascinating article about the problems with virtual reality storytelling and empathy.

Virtual Reality (VR) is all the rage and very popular at SXSW. We know storytelling is a powerhouse for building our empathy muscles. But what is the impact of VR on empathy?

Turns out, it's not what you think. 

The aim of VR is to encourage a human connection and understanding between those wearing a headset and the characters in the story.

Problems around empathy rise when certain stories simply generate a feeling of helplessness in the participant that leads to greater detachment -- not greater human connection.

I love what one of those interviewed for the article says near the end: "But the empathy idea presents another problem for me – the notion that the world's problems arise from a scarcity of feeling rather than from issues of power, inequality and exploitation of people and planetary resources." Hear hear.

There are more details and insights to read in this long-very-long post, and it will make you go, "huh".

What do you think about VR, empathy, and this storytelling trend?

Marty Note
Great points by Os

Os Note

Here's a fascinating article about the problems with virtual reality storytelling and empathy.

Virtual Reality (VR) is all the rage and very popular at SXSW. We know storytelling is a powerhouse for building our empathy muscles. But what is the impact of VR on empathy?

Turns out, it's not what you think. 

The aim of VR is to encourage a human connection and understanding between those wearing a headset and the characters in the story.

Problems around empathy rise when certain stories simply generate a feeling of helplessness in the participant that leads to greater detachment -- not greater human connection.

I love what one of those interviewed for the article says near the end: "But the empathy idea presents another problem for me – the notion that the world's problems arise from a scarcity of feeling rather than from issues of power, inequality and exploitation of people and planetary resources." Hear hear.

There are more details and insights to read in this long-very-long post, and it will make you go, "huh".

What do you think about VR, empathy, and this storytelling trend?

Marty Note
Great points by Os

Os Note

Here's a fascinating article about the problems with virtual reality storytelling and empathy.

Virtual Reality (VR) is all the rage and very popular at SXSW. We know storytelling is a powerhouse for building our empathy muscles. But what is the impact of VR on empathy?

Turns out, it's not what you think. 

The aim of VR is to encourage a human connection and understanding between those wearing a headset and the characters in the story.

Problems around empathy rise when certain stories simply generate a feeling of helplessness in the participant that leads to greater detachment -- not greater human connection.

I love what one of those interviewed for the article says near the end: "But the empathy idea presents another problem for me – the notion that the world's problems arise from a scarcity of feeling rather than from issues of power, inequality and exploitation of people and planetary resources." Hear hear.

There are more details and insights to read in this long-very-long post, and it will make you go, "huh".

What do you think about VR, empathy, and this storytelling trend?