Seeing is believing, but when it comes to environmental issues, observation alone may not be enough to activate people. According to new virtual reality (VR) research from the University of Oregon, engagement is the key to motivating action.
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Compared to traditional video, environmental stories told through metaverse technologies—such as virtual reality and 360-degree video—have a unique power to inspire change. In a paper published in the journal Cyberpsychology, Behavior, and Social Networking, researchers highlight how the metaverse not only provides a fantastical visual experience but also an interactive one that bridges psychological distance and increases immersion.
Daniel Pimentel, an assistant professor in immersive media psychology at UO’s School of Journalism and Communication, emphasizes the significance of interactivity in environmental storytelling. “The magic of VR isn’t just that it transports you somewhere,” he explains. “It meaningfully reduces psychological distance and increases immersion. We have to ensure that when people are in digital environments, they can engage with the story.”
Environmental communicators can leverage metaverse technologies to tell interactive stories that shape attitudes and perceptions about environmental issues. Pimentel, co-director of UO’s Oregon Reality Lab in Portland, collaborated with Sriram Kalyanaraman of the University of Florida on a series of studies. Their research explored how immersive media could influence threat perceptions and engagement in pro-environmental activities.
In one experiment, participants watched either an interactive 360-degree video or a 2D equivalent on climate change in Alaska. Surprisingly, those who experienced the 360-degree video felt a greater sense of presence and closeness to the depicted threats. Even without a headset, VR video led to more concrete and less abstract conceptualizations of information.
The researchers also investigated whether distant environmental threats could feel closer through interactivity. Participants viewed underwater exploration videos highlighting coral bleaching. For local issues, the format (360-degree or 2D) didn’t significantly impact perceptions. However, for distant threats, interactivity mattered.
To elevate the experience, the team tested VR headsets. Participants immersed in audio and visual stimuli reported greater intentions to help the environment. “The more you engage with something,” Pimentel notes, “the more concrete and relevant it becomes.”
While not every environmental story needs to exist in the metaverse, Pimentel urges thoughtful use of immersive media. Understanding the levers that lead to specific outcomes is crucial for effective storytelling. As we navigate the intersection of technology and environmental awareness, the metaverse offers a powerful tool to inspire action and protect our planet.
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