Virtual Reality in Society

Virtual reality is an exciting, advanced technology, with opportunities intertwined that can positively affect society and the world around us and can have an extraordinary impact on people’s lives. It can help trauma victims, sick people and many others, as it takes your mind to another world, where you can do or be anything. It can be a release for victims of rape or violence, but can also simply be a mean of entertainment for all ages. It is currently very popular among children and teens, as you can spend hours having fun with your friends and doing what you want in this virtual world.

In 1968, Ivan Sutherland invented and developed (along with his student, Bob Sproul) the world’s first Virtual Reality headset, thus making the first virtual world. It was connected to a computer, rather than a camera we would usually see. It was extremely bulky and very uncomfortable. It was awkward to wear, as it hung from the ceiling. Aside from these difficulties, it really was extraordinary. The whole idea of “exploring” another world is fascinating and using virtual reality instead of having to spend billions of dollars on space exploration is simply masterful. In 1992, the movie ‘The Lawnmower’ gave virtual reality its first large bout of attention. ‘Jaron’ (a character in the movie, portrayed by the award winning Pierce Brosnan) was a scientist who used virtual reality therapy on a mentally disabled/challenged patient. Real virtual reality equipment was used in the movie and director Brett Leonard modestly admitted to drawing inspiration for the movie from virtual reality. He said that his film was fictional, but that it would be fantastic if virtual reality was developed to actually help people with illness, disabilities, trauma along with other things. This makes it slightly unnerving that now virtual reality is used for therapy and treatment. In some ways, the film “The Lawnmower” has predicted the future. Virtual reality tricks your brain into believing it is in a 3D world. It shows each eye a slightly different image, like in real life, which simulates depth and accuracy. Virtual reality can include 4 of the 5 senses, involving sight, hearing, touch and sometimes smell. The only problem with Virtual Reality at the moment is the price tag. It is not currently widely used, as it is very expensive to purchase and run a virtual reality headset. This said, the prices are rapidly dropping, meaning that virtual reality is becoming readily available.

Virtual reality shows each eye a slightly different image, and as you move your head and eyes around, it changes the image seen accordingly. But what exactly can this be used for you might ask? Well, films, and video games come to us automatically, but wouldn’t it be fantastic if it could be used for workplace training, medical procedures, and even psychological therapy for trauma victims, PTSD sufferers and can be used to combat some sicknesses. Virtual reality is an incredible out for trauma victims and/or sufferers, and although there are many ways to combat traumatic tendencies, virtual reality is one of the more reliable ones. It’s effectiveness can’t be overstated. If we weren’t developing it, it wouldn’t be a large problem, although it would be a waste of such an incredible, powerful technology. Apart from a headache from overuse (which can be easily aided by not overusing VR) , there are no side affects and the list of positives from utilising this technology. This technology is extremely important as it can be therapy for sufferers of sickness. It is so important, as it, even at it’s early form, is still a major contributor to medical therapy in society. It is obvious that in the future through it’s development it will be even more useful and advantageable. Although VR (Virtual reality) is fantastic for therapy and psychological purposes, but it is also wonderfully exciting for 3D gaming. You can “walk” around and do anything you wish in this virtual world. You can draw 3D things, you can run around and you can even go on rollercoasters. Obviously you can’t actually go on these things through the headset, but you can experience them and believe that you are there. To conclude, virtual reality is quite extraordinary, through its clever and innovative techniques for victims of trauma, sickness and mental disability. It can also be utilised for workplace bonding, medical procedures and a new, creative way to teach in universities and schools. It can also be recreationally used for exhilarating gaming experiences. All in all, virtual reality is a technology of tomorrow, something that can positively affect society in the near future, and with further exploration can become a key contributor to many issues faced from now onwards. There is only one way this technology can go, Up!