VR jako narzędzie empatii? Prezentacje niepełnosprawności i osób z niepełnosprawnościami w doświadczeniach wirtualnych

Dorota Żuchowska-Skiba

doi:10.18778/0208-600X.92.08

Authors

Dorota Żuchowska-Skiba AGH Akademia Górniczo-Hutnicza w Krakowie, Wydział Humanistyczny, Katedra Studiów nad Społeczeństwem i Technologią https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8198-9900

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.18778/0208-600X.92.08

Keywords:

virtual reality, disability, empathy, stereotypes, social representation

Abstract

Virtual Reality (VR) reveals remarkable opportunities for exploring and understanding experiences related to disabilities. This technology enables the presentation of disabilities in a way that fosters understanding and builds empathy towards individuals with disabilities. Through virtual scenarios, interactions with characters, and simulated situations, VR aims to be an empathetic tool, generating authentic emotional experiences. Visual, auditory, and sometimes tactile stimuli intensify the empathetic responses of recipients. Through carefully designed experiences, VR allows users to immerse themselves in the lives of people with various types of disabilities.

The aim of this article is to analyze the content presented in virtual reality (VR) experiences in the context of depicting disabilities and people with disabilities. While research on VR often highlights its potential as a tool for building empathy, it is equally important to understand how these contents can influence perceptions of disabilities. The article discusses both the positive aspects of VR and the risks associated with reinforcing stereotypes. An analysis conducted on selected VR experiences allows for an assessment of how these technologies contribute to a better understanding of the situations faced by people with disabilities.

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