Immersive Fantasy Based on Digital Nostalgia: Environmental Narratives for the Korean Millennials and Gen Z

TL;DR

This paper presents an immersive digital artwork that combines nostalgia and environmental storytelling to engage Korean Millennials and Gen Z with ecological issues related to mask waste during COVID-19.

Contribution

It introduces a novel multimedia experience blending digital nostalgia with environmental narratives to raise ecological awareness among young adults.

Findings

Enhances empathy towards ecological issues

Engages participants through virtual and real experiences

Highlights challenges in resource use and engagement

Abstract

This study introduces the media artwork Dear Passenger, Please Wear a Mask, designed to offer a layered exploration of single-use mask waste, which escalated during the COVID-19 pandemic. The piece reframes underappreciated ecological concerns by interweaving digital nostalgia and airline travel recollections of Millennials and Gen Z with a unique fantasy narrative. Via a point-and-click game and an immersive exhibition, participants traverse both virtual and real domains, facing ethical and environmental dilemmas. While it fosters empathy and potential action, resource use and post-experience engagement challenges persist.