GuestXR USE CASE
Virtual Reality aiding in conflict resolution
Overview
This use case explores the potential of VR environments to aid in conflict resolution by facilitating shifts from competitive to cooperative orientations for a final conflict mediation.
It is grounded in social psychology approaches, specifically focusing on intergroup processes and perspective-taking to reduce social tensions. In this virtual setting, participants from opposing viewpoints interact within the same space, aimed at building mutual understanding and fostering trust.
Methodology and social psychology background
Social categorization, where individuals view others as part of “ingroup” or “outgroup,” often forms the root of intergroup conflict. This categorization reinforces an “us versus them” mindset, sustaining tensions and creating barriers to conflict resolution.
By using VR, this use case aims to counteract these dynamics by facilitating intergroup contact and allowing participants to “take on” the perspective of the other side—core strategies in conflict resolution research.
USE CASE DEVELOPMENT
Perspective changing through body swapping
In the first iteration, the use case focuses on climate change. Participants representing two differing perspectives on reducing air travel – as a measure to mitigate climate change – engage in a virtual setting. Each participant is positioned with a poster behind them that represents their stance on flight reduction.
The participants switch sides and viewpoints at set intervals; in one condition, participants simply shift positions, while in another, they experience body swapping with their counterpart. This body-swapping approach is intended to encourage a deeper sense of perspective-taking by creating an embodied experience of the opposing view.
Initial findings
Preliminary findings suggest that some participants experienced a shift in their attitudes after engaging in the body-swapping condition, demonstrating the potential for VR to influence perspectives in conflict situations.
Analyses, including sentiment scoring and k-means clustering, indicate an increased openness and positive sentiment in some participants, highlighting the value of immersive perspective-taking.
