Media companies are doing everything they can to bring the audiences closer to what they see. So much so, that they can even experience what they are seeing on their screens. That's the power of virtual reality and media companies are leaving no stone unturned to incorporate it in journalism. In fact, we are fast moving towards immersive journalism. The question is- are we ready for it? Let's find out.
Today, you can simply strap on a virtual reality headset and see champions set world records. You can glide over the sea or feel the excitement of skiing while seeing the snow ahead of you and hearing the chatter of your skis before gearing up for the next drop. This is what virtual reality news is all about. Being there in the moment as if it’s happening right in front of you. You are the audience as well as the witness.
Although virtual reality has the potential to change the dynamics of storytelling, it is still not clear how many people would actually like their news to be served in this format. It's cool to watch games, tournaments, and expeditions live. Nothing has really come close to what virtual reality can offer us. But it largely depends on what you see. The sense of being there may not be a good thing if you are watching news related to tsunamis, fire, violence or other disturbing incidents. These incidents cause a huge amount of mental stress and people definitely may not want to be actually there to witness them.
The non-fiction virtual platform may be ideal for showing documentaries. But immersive news is something else. The fact that you are not separated by a screen makes the whole experience very believable. The first person experience is what is drawing viewers to this phenomenal medium. There is no denying that virtual reality is having a huge impact on storytelling and how we experience these stories. It’s only a matter of time before people embrace VR news and choose what they want to see and experience.
