Immersion

 

 VR is here. It is the next big thing. 

Virtual reality or VR is “a computer-generated environment that …  simulates the physical world …”. VR is an immersive experience using a computer, console or goggles/helmet. 

Many of us have met a form of VR watching a 3D movie, or perhaps gaming in the World of Warcraft, Skyrim, or DOOM  Those games are gradually turning from semi-immersiveto fully immersive games. Many gamers have at least tried VR. 

                            Not your thing? 

You don’t game so VR is not going to affect you?

 VR is being used for more than just gaming and movies. Companies have started using VR to train their employees from onboarding before the employee shows up at the office, to creating realistic scenarios for employees to safely engage in learning new skills. This method helps employees gain confidence and makes them feel more valued, especially the remote ones.

 

  

Not just a training tool for adults, VR is making its way into the classroom. Students use all of their senses when learning in VR, making the experience more memorable. These lessons can be adjusted for each student’s interest. Want to see the Jurassic Period? Want to save a life? Truly be a “Yankee in King Arthur’s Court” VR allows kids to experience things in a way books cannot. Students can quite literally experience that other shoe, improving empathy.

                                        Still not sure?

Virtual Reality has recently come to museums as Vincent van Goghs' art becomes so much more than impressive paintings on a wall, but a true experience.

Disney is stepping in as well with Immersive Disney Animation exhibit which is touring to a (potential) city near you allowing you to truly become part of the Disney world.

VR does come with some cautions. Those still developing may run some risks of hindering eye and brain development if allowed to spend too much time in alternate realities. It is not entirely known how too much time in VR can affect adult eyes, but it can make them tired and can cause dizziness and motion sickness. There are even a few cases of broken bones or bruised bodies because there is no concept of what is in the world around you in realty when you are in VR. It is important that you have a safe place when immersing into another reality (Think Avatar).

There is such a thing as too much of a good thing, so making sure you spend more time in this reality is crucial. There is a concern from some scientists that VR can be addicting, especially if your reality is not one you want. More research needs to be done.

There are those who think relying too much on technology is a bad thing (Check out Ray Bradbury’s “The Veldt” circa 1950).

 

                                         Here to Stay 

 Regardless of how we feel about it, technology is here to stay. We must understand that there are always inherent risks, and it behooves us to understand what they are before full immersion.

Curious to learn more?