Poon reports that activists and filmmakers are experimenting with virtual reality technology with the goal of creating stronger connections between would-be donors and the communities they could help. With the help of state-of-the-art goggles and VR footage from areas with humanitarian crises, writes Poon, people can get a better sense of the devastation brought on by things like poverty, war and natural disasters.
The innovative way to inspire giving draws on preliminary results that suggest immersive storytelling can actually increase empathy, reports Poon. From trips to Syrian refugee camps to tours of Nepal’s devastating earthquake, virtual reality pioneers hope that more in-depth perspectives will inspire viewers to give more generously.