Case Study : CMPG use of virtual reality headsets continued ...
experiences that includes follow-up that re-empowers and ( maybe even literally ) equips them so that they feel confident that they can avoid getting into the situation they have so graphically witnessed . Sharing and demonstrating a range of avoidance strategies , such as those presented on page 98 , would be both useful and ethical .
As the VR experience itself does not provide this information , it is important that the package that is wrapped around it provides ways to alleviate fear by using it to motivate productive action .
Working with different groups Research has found that fear-appeals are not effective for all groups of people and , in particular , young males have been found not to respond well to their use in road safety education ¹. This does not mean that fear-based information has no role to play , but that it should be used in conjunction with other forms of information . This may include the provision of avoidance strategies ( above ), but can also include the use of positive information . Where VR is part of an approach it is vital to make time afterwards for discussion of what has been experienced , where individuals are encouraged to think about and vocalise some desirable future that they have imagined for themselves that would be compromised by getting into the situation featured in the VR . This relates to the notion of FOMO ( fear of missing out ) that young people often experience in relation to their phones ² - but it can be used to encourage them to think differently ( and more long term ) about what they could really be missing out on . This also creates a personal link between them as individuals , their behaviour on the roads and the dramatic educational experience you are offering them .
Effective engagement As the VR approach adopted here provides opportunities for individual engagement , it is important that they are taken advantage of . Information relating to the effective use of engagement processes are outlined on pages 97-99 . In addition to this , the use of other forms of follow-up contact with those individuals , such as through a social media account , should be considered . Individuals can be encouraged to follow your social media account and / or engage with other online materials following your interaction .
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¹ Lewis , I ., Watson , B ., Tay , R . and White , K . M ., ( 2007 ). The role of fear appeals in improving driver safety : A review of the effectiveness of fear-arousing ( threat ) appeals in road safety advertising . International Journal of Behavioral Consultation and Therapy , 3 ( 2 ), pp . 203-222 .
² Przybylski , A . K ., Murayama , K ., DeHaan , C . R . and Gladwell , V ., 2013 . Motivational , emotional , and behavioral correlates of fear of missing out . Computers in Human Behavior , 29 ( 4 ), pp . 1841-1848 .