Virtual reality reduces climate indifference by making distant locations feel psychologically close

This study examined how virtual reality (VR) can reduce psychological distance to locations affected by climate change, influencing climate emotions and risk perceptions. A total of 163 students listened to a climate change news story of one of nine locations while either experiencing the location in immersive VR or viewing static images of the location. Pre- and post-test surveys revealed that VR experiences, especially for distant locations, reduced psychological distance and heightened climate frustration, reduced indifference, and increased risk perceptions compared to static images. VR also enhanced storytelling investment, measured by written story length, as well as awe and spatial presence. Political ideology moderated VR's impact on emotions and risk perceptions but not on storytelling engagement. These findings demonstrate VR's potential to make distant places feel close, foster emotional connections, alter risk perceptions, and promote climate storytelling.