Anecdotal evidence from philanthropic fundraisers shows that virtual reality (VR) technology increases empathy and can influence people toward pro-environmental behavior. Non-profit organizations are increasingly marketing their causes using virtual reality and they report increased donations when VR technology is employed. In VR, users are immersed in situations intended to feel more like the real world through technology, such as 360˚video viewed through 3D headsets that block out visual and auditory distractions. The framing of the message as either positive or negative has long shown to have an effect on behavior, although consensus on the impact of framing has not been reached in relation to encouraging contributions to public goods. This paper focuses on field experiments used to investigate the effects of varying degrees of visual immersion and positive versus negative message framing on respondents' contributions to a conservation charity. Participants were exposed to a five-minute underwater film about coral reefs and the importance of protecting them. We employed a 2x2 experimental design using 3D head-mounted displays comparing 360˚film footage vs. unidirectional film and a positive message vs. a negative message. After watching the film, each participant completed a short questionnaire and had the opportunity to donate to a marine conservation charity.
The expansion of oil palm plantation by smallholders in Indonesia is taking place mainly by conversion of forest and arable land. This article aims to understand how institutional arrangements in the supply chain of oil palm fresh fruit bunches (FFB) affect decisions of smallholders to convert more land for oil palm cultivation instead of increasing productivity. Based on an analysis of in-depth interviews with involved actors we find that institutions meant to regulate land conversion are superseded by the structures that govern the transactions in the supply chain of FFB and that this reinforces decisions of smallholders to convert more land. Strategies designed to regulate land conversion need to look carefully at the interactions with the institutions ruling the supply chain of FFB. Institutional innovations such as establishing integrated governance structure from land use to market may induce farmers to focus on increasing productivity.
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