This paper shows that you can use computers to produce realistic images that may persuade people to do a course of action that you want. However, there is some prior art to this.

Peter Paul Rubens did this with paintings in the 1600's. See his paintings "Peace and War" and "Consequences of War"

Even earlier, the Assyrians made massive art works that showed rebel leaders being flayed alive. I am sure that was pretty effective in helping people visualize the consequences of resisting Assyria.