Immersive journalism and the Darién Gap: Developing an expert-guided VR prototype on the migrant journey

Abstract

Immersive journalism (IJ) introduces new opportunities for audiences to actively engage with stories through cognitive and physical interaction. Virtual reality (VR) enhances this by offering first-person experiences capable of evoking emotions beyond traditional media’s reach. This practice-based project explores the ongoing migration crisis in the Darién Gap — a perilous region between Panama and Colombia — as a compelling context for socially engaged IJ. It proposes a VR experience placing users in the perspective of a migrant, aiming to evoke empathy and prompt ethical reflection on the systems shaping migration. Using qualitative methods, including semi-structured interviews with immersive media experts and a complementary interview with migrants, the project develops a VR script prototype while addressing ethical, narrative, and practical challenges. Key considerations include audience agency, accessibility, responsible storytelling, and transparent integration of emerging technologies. The project highlights VR’s potential to humanize complex crises while advocating for community-informed, ethically grounded journalism.