Character Engagement: The Modulatory Role of Cultural Capital in Copresence Across Cinematic VR Modalities

Cinematic experiences have significantly evolved over the decades, with advancements like 3D and virtual reality (VR) ushering in heightened levels of viewer immersion. Critical to this evolution is understanding audience engagement, especially in emerging media formats like VR. This study delves into the influence of cultural capital - encompassing knowledge, skills, and cultural assets - on audience copresence perceptions across various media formats. Findings reveal that individuals with higher cultural capital, equipped to notice technological and narrative subtleties, might experience copresence differently due to specific immersive expectations. In contrast, those with lower cultural capital might be less attuned to these nuances. Notably, the format of the medium, particularly 360 cinematic VR, considerably affects copresence, enhancing feelings of being ‘present with others’, including virtual characters. Additionally, different VR narratives induce diverse copresence sensations, underscoring the significance of narrative techniques and technological content. This research emphasizes that as cinematic technology progresses, content creators should prioritize understanding their audience’s cultural backgrounds and knowledge to ensure that media experiences resonate with a diverse audience spectrum.