Mediated Intimacy in Immersive Journalism. Experience, Emotion and Proximity

Immersive journalism is often discussed as technological innovation meant to bring audiences closer to news and promote empathy though emotional first-person experience. This article proposes an alternative perspective focusing on intimacy as a mediated relationship rather than as emotional intensity or personal exposure. Following existing research on emotion, digital intimacy and empathy, the paper argues that immersive journalism continues a long journalistic effort to reduce distance between lived realities and audiences. This article shows that emotional responses in this type of journalism are not automatic effects of technology, but results of a mixture of factors such as narrative choices, spatial positioning and ethical considerations. While immersive formats can create a strong sense of proximity and being there this closeness may sometimes produce discomfort or resistance. By connecting theories of intimacy with studies on immersive media, the paper proposes the concept of mediated intimacy as a useful framework for understanding how this type of journalism creates, negotiates and limits closeness. Understanding immersive journalism through this lens can open the space for a more careful discussion and future research on its emotional impact and ethical responsibilities.