Virtual reality-based conflict resolution: The impact of immersive 360° video on changing view points and moral judgment in the context of violent intergroup conflict

We present an experimental study conducted in the context of Israeli–Palestinian conflict that examined effect immersive 360° video on inducing a more critical perception ingroup’s actions conflict. An experience simulated scenario filmed from outgroup’s point view led to judgment ingroup actors’ behavior as less moral and justified compared watching same two-dimensional video. This was not mediated through increased outgroup perspective-taking empathy but higher levels hostile emotions toward actors, which turn were influenced by sense presence engagement experience. These findings provide initial evidence for still widely unexplored potential virtual reality new method resolution.