But Do They Care?

Abstract

This paper considers the effectiveness of evolving formats of image work (online interactive, augmented reality, virtual reality) to help audiences understand multiple points of view on contested topics. It is based in the oral histories of six female landscape photographers, all of who photograph the impacts of the controversial oil and gas extraction technology known as hydraulic fracturing, or fracking. All of the photographers consider themselves environmentalists and are concerned with the environmental effects of the process. In this experiment, we produced identical stories about the photographers and their work across the three different platforms. We then conducted focus groups to determine if a specific platform helped audiences better develop an “ethic of care”: an ability to understand multiple perspectives about a topic. We argue experiential immersion offers potential for both scholars and image-base dstorytellers. Unlike the still image or archive-based oral history, interactive storytelling allows for audiences to direct how they will experience images and understand complex issues in a tactile platform.