Virtual (and Augmented) Reality – a blessing or a curse?
Over forty years ago already, the first VR-systems were getting developed. By then, these systems were mainly used for medical trainings, flight simulation, automobile design and military training purposes. Ever since, the technology continuously kept improving and simultaneously started to get more affordable for the public. Reports conclude that Virtual and Augmented Reality (VR & AR) slowly and silently invaded our society as an accessible technology around 2012. The introduction of VR and AR was discouraged by many, as it was something completely new, special and exciting. But, is it really that special and exciting? Or is there a catch?
Potential effects of VR
Everyone remembers their first VR experience. For many, it is similar to the first time you got your hands on a personal computer or the first time they used a smartphone. And all these first time-experiences are likely to be different as the possibilities are more than endless these days. Usage ranges from virtual business trainings to virtual rollercoaster rides or even the possibility of playing virtual videogames with friends, while wearing VR glasses. Unfortunately, this potentially ‘fun’ experiences with VR also come with many downsides. Short term effects include eye strain, dizziness and nausea, but also anxiety or stress resulting from the immersive nature of VR and AR. Potential long term effects include harm caused by electromagnetic frequency radiation to which the user is exposed, according to research by Lavoie (2020).
The future of VR
As the technology advances over time, the integration possibilities will increase, as well as how realistic the simulations can get. For instance, VR is likely to be integrated into fashion(stores), showrooms, journalism, health care, education and much more. Sounds efficient, exciting and promising, right? However, this is also exactly where the trap lies.
What if VR gets so realistic that it gets indistinguishable from our ‘real world’? What if VR gets ensconced in our society in a way that it becomes an extension of our reality? A logical consequence could be that people who are not enjoying their lives fully, constantly seek for an escape to the world as perceived in virtual reality. Fortunately, this is not a realistic view yet. However, we should be aware of potential threats which the technologies that we develop, such as VR, can cause to our society.
Do you know other health risks which can be caused by using VR? Do you think that a situation in which VR becomes (almost) as realistic as our perception of the ‘real world’ could become reality?
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• https://edition.cnn.com/2017/12/13/health/virtual-reality-vr-dangers-safety/index.html
• https://www.forbes.com/sites/bernardmarr/2019/07/17/the-important-risks-and-dangers-of-virtual-and-augmented-reality/#1d7847f63d50
• https://coolminds.nl/artikelen/de-geschiedenis-van-virtual-reality
• https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10055-020-00440-y
• https://www.netflix.com/title/70264888?s=i&trkid=13747225
• https://www.vesttech.com/4-health-risks-from-using-virtual-reality-headsets/
