Minutes

Ohu, Eugene Agboifo; Schrier, Karen; Lansford, Jennifer; Emami, Cynthia; Alugo, Morenike; Babatunde, Adeola; Bodunde, Ikeola J.; Olominu, Oluwatomilade; Odumbo, Deborah; Adetunji, Serah; Ogbitse, Adanoritsewo; Okonkwo, Judith; Anifowose, Princess (2026). Virtual reality's promise in fostering empathy and compassion: Mode-specific interventions for adolescents facing ethnic discrimination. Technology, Mind, and Behavior. Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.1037/tmb0000199

How can we encourage people to become more compassionate and empathetic toward those who face ill treatment and discrimination? 

Researchers from Nigeria, the U.S., U.K., and Ireland investigated whether different virtual reality (VR) experiences could increase empathy in teenagers.  Average age 15 years, 370 Nigerian adolescents either experienced ethnic discrimination through first-person VR (observing discrimination directed at themselves), third-person VR (observing others being discriminated against), a VR role model, a combination of VR perspectives, a written story, or no intervention. Researchers used questionnaires measuring empathy, sympathy, compassion, and motivation to act immediately after the activity and again 2, 4, and 6 months later. 

Results? Teens watching VR discrimination from a third-person view showed the greatest immediate increase in empathy and compassion. Surprisingly, experiencing discrimination oneself did not produce stronger effects. This suggests that watching from an emotional distance helps people understand another person's experience without becoming overwhelmed. However, the benefits faded over the following months.

Observing another person's experience can build more empathy than experiencing discrimination oneself. Would films compassionately dealing with discrimination against ethnic, religious, class, gender, or LGPTQR work as well as virtual reality? We must share, teach, and learn how diversity adds value to our world. 

Written by Dan Peacock. M.S.