Exploring Empathy and Emotional Response to Historical Studies through Virtual Reality: A Perspective-Taking Process

This research examines the potential of using Virtual Reality (VR) to foster empathy and emotional engagement with a historical event through a perspective-taking approach. It focuses on the 1953 Shek Kip Mei Estate fire in Hong Kong, a pivotal event that led to societal transformation and the introduction of public housing.
Participants are immersed in a 3D environment, assuming the role of a victim during the fire and its aftermath. Through interactive elements such as dialogue, soundscapes, and visual stimuli, the study enhances emotional immersion and presence. It draws on the theoretical frameworks of perspective-taking and emotional connection by Lucifora (2023) and Timothy (2022), and is inspired by Bailenson’s (2018) concept of ‘walking in another’s shoes’ to evoke feelings of loss, isolation, and empathy.
This research contributes to discussions on VR as a transformative tool for historical education, with a focus on fostering empathy. The presentation will emphasize the role of VR in preserving and promoting historical events through innovative educational practices. By bridging the gap between technology and historical preservation, this study provides new insights into the use of immersive media to generate emotional and empathetic responses within the domain of historical studies.