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5G Technology is a 5th Generation standard for broadband cellular networks and is a successor of a 4G network. In an economy, in which telecommunication is a basic need, the amount of controversy around 5G seems odd. This technology raised so many concerns that anti5G movements have arose in multiple countries (Destiny, n.d.). Although 5G mobile technology promises a ten-fold increase in data transmission rated compared to its predecessor, the method of achieving that can supposedly cause health problems. The higher transmission frequency questions 5G’s fulfilment of radiation safety guidelines (What 5G means for our health, n.d.).

Conspiracy theories lovers will not be content with that but 5G technology features have no incontrovertible scientific evidence to pose risk on public health (Chiaraviglio et al., 2019). On the other side, 5G technology have many positive implications that can make the future simpler and more sustainable.

5G system is not a stand-alone network system yet as it still needs active 4G support for the initial connection. The introduction of Artificial Intelligence into the system will enable to solve this problem of 5G along others (Pisarov & Mester, 2020). Cooperation with AI can also solve 5G technical problems such as optimization, detection, and estimation (Pisarov & Mester, 2020). 5G technology will then open new possibilities in robotics, helping robots tooperate within broader ‘smart’ environments’. Moreover, because it enables Internet of Things Technology, 5G is essential for the smart city concept. It will play an important role in information gathering through sensors.

5G can have a major impact on self-driving car technology making the reaction time frame of those vehicles minimal so they can be considered safer than human-controlled vehicles (Pisarov & Mester, 2020).

I  believe that within a few years of improving the system, 5G can make every emerging technology around us operate faster and more efficiently.

References:

Chiaraviglio, L., Fiore, M., & Rossi, E. (2019). 5G Technology: Which Risks From the Health Perspective?

Destiny, T. (n.d.). Conspiracy theories about 5G networks have skyrocketed since COVID-19. The Conversation. Retrieved 6 October 2022, from http://theconversation.com/conspiracy-theories-about-5g-networks-have-skyrocketed-since-covid-19-139374

Kachhavay, Meenal G., and Ajay P. Thakare. “5G technology-evolution and revolution.” International Journal of Computer Science and Mobile Computing 3, no. 3 (2014): 1080-1087.

Pisarov, J., & Mester, G. (2020). IPSI TAR July 2020—The Impact of 5G Technology on Life in the 21st Century. 16, 11–14.

What 5G means for our health. (n.d.). Retrieved 6 October 2022, from https://www.nature.com/articles/d42473-019-00009-7

 

 

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With the constantly rising demand of mental health services and with COVID-19 pandemic which only accelerated the rise, psychologists and psychiatrists are searching for more convincing, modern methods to treat mental health problems. A technology that seems to be an answer to global mental health problem is Virtual Reality (VR) Therapy.

How does it work?

VR uses digitally created sensory background feedback from the artificial world to our world to replace our everyday experience. With the use of VR helmet and/or trackers, the user is able to see a realistic 3D environment in which he can easily interact with his / hers surroundings.

Why is VR a great tool for mental therapy?

First of all, VR environments can feel very real, almost undistuinguishible from the real environment. In a well known study, Bassolino et al. (2018) find out that respondents feel no difference between digital limbs created by VR and our limbs. Experiences in VR feel authentic because they achieve brain and behavioral responses from virtual stimulation that mirror those in the real world. Because of that VR therapy can help patients to ‘relive’ their traumas as realistically as possible in a safe and controlable environment.

VR potential and its future in Psychology

A huge benefit of VR therapy is the fact that it can be made incredibly personal and relevant by including objects, sounds and even smells from client’s past. This can be extremely useful when treating different kinds of phobias. High degree of control over VR environment helps the therapy to be more repeatable and progressive. Moreover, software is becoming extremely easy to use and can be adapted for theraphist needs. Sessions are available for replay and results can be collected for ongoing assessment. Apart from phobias, VR therapy has a potential and its already helping in: social anxiety disorder (virtually meeting new people), post-traumatic stress disorder, panic disorder, acute and chronic pain (decreasing pain via distraction rather than drug regime) and even addictions (providing safe and controlled exposure to drug-related cues)

References

Bassolino, M., Franza, M., Ruiz, J. B., Pinardi, M., Schmidlin, T., Stephan, M., … & Blanke, O. (2018). Non‐invasive brain stimulation of motor cortex induces embodiment when integrated with virtual reality feedback. European Journal of Neuroscience, 47(7), 790–799.

Bohil, C. J., Alicea, B., & Biocca, F. A. (2011). Virtual reality in neuroscience research and therapy. Nature Reviews Neuroscience, 12(12), 752–762.

Maples-Keller, J. L., Bunnell, B. E., Kim, S.-J., & Rothbaum, B. O. (2017). The use of virtual reality technology in the treatment of anxiety and other psychiatric disorders. Harvard Review of Psychiatry, 25(3), 103–113.

Sutton J. (2020). What Is Virtual Reality Therapy? The Future of Psychology.

https://positivepsychology.com/virtual-reality-therapy/