Abstract:

This study examines the development of empathetic connections through the use of storytelling and technology on a virtual reality (VR) platform. Technology has the potential to create a learning environment that conveys an experience by immersing the user with images, language and messaging in storytelling. The physiological conditions that affect empathy may be contextualized by perceptions of group membership, with stronger attention and trust afforded to perceived ingroup members. This study looks at the relationship between empathetic connections and group membership theory and how those connections may be influenced by storytelling technologies.

The present study is an extension of research in storytelling and innovation that started with undergraduate students in February 2000 to understand the influence of sharing stories through innovative tools. At the onset of the pandemic, virtual reality was used to tell stories in 360 degrees to allow storytellers to virtually bring users to scenes and spaces. Since 2000, an interdisciplinary team of professors have convened, using VR as a pedagogical tool. This specific study examines the impact of this work on building empathetic connections as a 21st Century skill through the user experience of engaging content on an innovative platform across the disciplines of Education and Journalism.

Keywords:

Virtual reality, innovation, empathy, empathetic connections, storytelling, journalism, education, 21st Century skills, technology.