The New York Times recently teamed up with Google to use VR technology to tell the story of refugees. In recent years, VR technology has been used for everything from fashion shows to campus tours. This latest project aims to use the VR experience for the purpose of storytelling.
In conjunction with Google, The New York Times plans to send all of its print subscribers a Cardboard headset during the weekend of November 7th. These headsets can then be used to view a VR film called 'The Displaced,' which tells the story of refugees from countries such as South Sudan, Syria and Eastern Ukraine. Unlike a traditional film or article, the VR content gives the viewers a more intimate perspective on the subject.
The initiative is just the first in a series of VR films that The New York Times plans to release via its own app.
Heartbreaking VR Journalism
This Publication Uses VR Technology to Tell the Story of Refugees
Trend Themes
1. Virtual Reality Journalism - Using VR technology to tell stories and provide a more immersive and intimate experience for viewers.
2. Collaboration Between Media Outlets and Tech Companies - Partnering with technology companies to leverage their expertise and create innovative storytelling experiences.
3. Humanitarian Narratives in Virtual Reality - Exploring the potential of VR technology to raise awareness and empathy for social issues by immersing viewers in the lives of refugees.
Industry Implications
1. Media and Journalism - Integrating VR technology into storytelling practices to create engaging and impactful content.
2. Technology - Developing VR platforms and tools that facilitate immersive storytelling experiences for media outlets and other industries.
3. Humanitarian Aid and Non-profits - Leveraging VR technology as a tool for raising awareness, advocacy, and empathy for social causes and humanitarian crises.