Augmented Reality Activism

Abstract

The explosion of mobile technology and its growing accessibility to the global public has made augmented reality (AR) a powerful tool for activism. This is the story of the first generation of activists that began working with augmented reality to further their causes. These activists pioneered the development of mobile AR in search of what made it unique from other mediums and what traits could be used to further activist’s agendas. Many of these works are the first explorations of their type with this new technology and act as a road map for future activists working with AR. What dangers do those working with this technology face? Does AR have the ability to empower the masses? Can it create real social change and can it unite society by turning virtual experiences into physical ones? The activists in this chapter set out to find these answers.