Campbell – AR potential

I think that before augmented reality is able to take off, the technological hiccups need to be solved first. If the user is challenged by access then they will lose interest, which is the opposite effect that journalists want. However, AR is useful for perspective. The nyt did a few augmented reality stories, including one that visualized the microorganisms in the human body (“Monsters That Live On You”). In this case, the AR was the bait of the story, but the information was also engaging. This took the viewer to a perspective that they would never truly get to experience in reality. The flu virus and byproducts of “giant bugs” on your screen shrinks you to a microscopic size and simultaneously informs and offers preventative measures for contamination. AR used in this way is successful for journalists who wish to hammer an idea home for the good of society. There was another nyt AR piece that visualized the damage of a volcano, which seemed a bit exploitative, but could also inspire aid or environmental awareness. AR can be of good use to journalists who can use it as a way to inspire higher engagement and lasting impact, therefore making people see in a different way and change attitudes for the better.