Understanding Others in Virtual Reality: Cognitive Empathy & Effort in Processing IDEA-Themed VR Stories

This paper examines the role of virtual reality (VR) in promoting cognitive empathy for characters in VR narratives with inclusion, diversity, equity, and accessibility themes. The paper summarizes some of the results of a mixed-methods study we conducted (Green et. al, 2024) that found a complex interplay between prior experiences, cognitive effort, and VR design in fostering cognitive empathy (the ability to understand another person’s thoughts and feelings). The study found that prior experiences, whether personal or through a close other, significantly influenced how individuals engaged with VR narratives. However, the study did not find a significant relationship between prior experience and cognitive effort. Recommendations for design are included.