realço

Realço is a term used in media theory and phenomenology to describe the perceived intensification of reality produced by immersive digital and audiovisual media. The concept focuses on the subjective sense of presence and plausibility that audiences experience when sensory cues, interactivity, and contextual framing reinforce the impression that a mediated environment is real or consequential.

Etymology and origin: The word realço derives from the Portuguese verb realçar, meaning to highlight or emphasize, with the noun form realço used in academic discussions to denote the effect itself. The term emerged in early 21st-century scholarly writings on realism in media and was subsequently adopted by researchers exploring virtual reality, gaming, and augmented reality to differentiate heightened realism from standard representation.

Mechanisms and scope: Realço results from a constellation of factors, including high-fidelity visuals, spatial audio, latency reduction, responsive interactivity, haptic feedback, and narrative coherence. It also depends on audience expectations, prior knowledge, and cultural context. Realço can be deliberately engineered through design choices or arise as an emergent property of complex systems.

Applications: In VR and AR training, realço is linked to effective learning due to stronger presence. In cinema and games, it enhances immersion and emotional impact. Social media filters and augmented experiences exploit realço to create more convincing appearances. Measurements of realço often rely on subjective reports of presence, flow, and plausibility, complemented by physiological indicators.

Criticism and research: Some critics caution that realço conflates perceptual intensity with realism, potentially masking ethical concerns about manipulation and over-stimulation. Research directions include developing standardized protocols to measure realço, exploring cross-cultural variations, and distinguishing between cognitive immersion and affective engagement.