Virtual Reality as a Bridge to Empathy: A Case Study of the Gaza Time Tunnel VR Experience.

Abstract

In an increasingly digitized world, immersive technologies like virtual reality (VR) are often lauded as “empathy machines” capable of fostering prosocial attitudes toward distant social and political issues. However, such claims often outpace empirical evidence detailing the specific mechanisms through which VR operates, particularly for complex and polarized geopolitical topics. This study explores the effectiveness of a narrativedriven VR experience in fostering empathy for the Palestinian struggle. Analyzing mixed-methods survey data (N = 186) from participants, we investigate the relationship between prior issue familiarity and self-reported changes in empathy. We find a statistically significant positive correlation, suggesting the VR experience acts as an empathy amplifier, particularly for those already engaged with the topic. Furthermore, qualitative analysis reveals that zones featuring personal, emotionally resonant narratives, specifically the “Tragedy of Hind Rajab”, were overwhelmingly cited as the most impactful component of the experience. The study concludes by discussing the critical role of personal storytelling in the design of effective VR for social advocacy and highlights directions for future work in immersive media research and conflict education.