The effective use of virtual reality technology in intercultural communication: Enhancing cultural awareness and developing empathy

The study aims to investigate the potential of using virtual reality (VR) technology as an effective tool in intercultural communication. The primary objective of the research is to examine the effects of VR on enhancing cultural awareness and developing empathy. In a globalized world, communication between individuals from different cultures has become an important issue, and the effectiveness of this communication is directly related to levels of cultural awareness and empathy. VR technology provides users with three-dimensional and interactive environments, allowing them to gain experiences in different cultural contexts. The study adopts a qualitative research method, conducting semi-structured interviews with 30 participants from various demographic backgrounds in the Iznik district of Bursa province. The findings suggest that VR has the potential to enhance cultural awareness and develop empathy. Participants reported that through their VR experiences, they were able to better understand different cultural perspectives, which in turn improved their ability to empathize. The findings of the thesis recommend increasing the use of VR in educational and cultural programs. The immersive experiences provided by VR technology support users in understanding and accepting cultural differences, thereby making intercultural communication more effective.