This dissertation explores the transformative impact of emerging technologies such as Virtual Reality (VR), Augmented Reality (AR), and Mixed Reality (MR) on journalism and communication practices. These technologies have significantly altered newsroom operations, enabling immersive storytelling that enhances audience engagement by bridging the gap between storytelling and story-living (Aitamurto et al., 2022). The study focuses on Generation Z, who perceive digital environments as integral to their daily lives, highlighting their dual role as users and creators within immersive ecosystems (Dolot, 2018). Utilizing a mixed-methods approach, the research combines quantitative surveys and qualitative focus groups to evaluate the adoption of XR media in newsrooms, with an emphasis on ethical considerations, emotional engagement, and challenges such as maintaining credibility in virtual environments (Wei et al., 2022; Nalbant & Aydin, 2023). The findings reveal that immersive storytelling offers unique opportunities for two-way symmetrical communication, fostering deeper audience understanding and engagement. Additionally, this research addresses the potential of XR media in crisis communication and its implications for journalistic ethics, particularly within online communities. By examining both technological advancements and generational shifts in media consumption, this study contributes practical guidelines for integrating emerging technologies into journalism and communication fields.
Ιωάννα Γεωργία Δ. Εσκιάδη (Thu,) studied this question.