Abstract
To reach necessary greenhouse gas emissions targets, behavior change is necessary at the consumer level. However, standard information-based interventions struggle to change environmentally impactful behaviors like beef consumption. Experience-based communication that engages non-analytical systems can be crucial for changing our beliefs that our behavior makes a difference. Immersive virtual reality (VR) in the metaverse represents a shift toward experience-based environmental communication. In this preregistered 2 (VR experience vs. VR information) x 2 (indulgent vs. explicit labeling) study (N = 167), we tested the effectiveness of VR experience-based communication and cost-effective nudging to promote sustainable diets. Label manipulation showed no effect on meat consumption. The VR experience led to stronger pro-environmental intentions and more pro-environmental behavior in VR and real life than the VR information condition. Mediation analyses confirm that experience-based VR communication can enhance people’s efficacy beliefs, increasing their intentions and, consequently, reducing beef consumption.
Original language | English |
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Journal | Environmental Communication |
Volume | 18 |
Issue number | 5 |
Pages (from-to) | 589-609 |
ISSN | 1752-4032 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 2024 |
Bibliographical note
Publisher Copyright:© 2024 The Author(s). Published by Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group.
Keywords
- behavior change
- environmental communication
- metaverse
- pro-environmental behavior
- sustainable diets
- virtual reality