The Ethics of Realism as a New Media Language in Immersive Media

Abstract

This work explores the ethical and moral limits of practicing realism in immersive nonfiction. To establish these practices, the nonfiction media ecosystem is analyzed from traditional to emerging immersive forms. Four significant forms of nonfiction works are discussed that reflect different ethics of realism: documentary, journalism, education, and cultural heritage. Through the description and presentation of each form, a provisional set of elements, variables, indicators and parameters that impact practices and ethics of realism are presented. These compositional elements can be implemented in the design, development and production of experiences for audiences that respect social, cultural, political, physical, and material realities.

The new ethical thinking in CGI immersive journalism

“…Real virtuality in CGI immersive journalism has sparked debates about ethical concerns, significantly as hyperreality, which enables users to participate and build the hyperreal (Cover et al, 2022), may intensify the perceived reality through CGI visuals. Several news organizations, for example, Reuters and Associated Press, argued that ‘such reconstructions are not ethical unless the audience is made aware of the aesthetic choices inherent in their composition’ (Fisher and Gifreu-Castells, 2022: 3), which highlights the representation of truth and interpretations by audience. CGI immersive journalism can bring the facts in storytelling, where truth can still be delivered through CGI visuals (de la Peña et al, 2010).…”