Virtual reality, once the stuff of sci-fi dreams, is now a real, if quirky, part of our technological world. Yet despite heavy investments by giants like Meta and Apple, VR hasn’t quite become the must-have gadget for every household. A latest review by Stanford University sheds light on why VR is brilliant in certain situations but struggles as an everyday tool. Jeremy Bailenson, VR expert, says, “Virtual reality is not for everything.”
Virtual reality immerses users completely, shutting out the real world and creating vivid, engaging experiences. It’s no surprise that VR excels in high-stakes training, such as practising open heart surgery or piloting planes, tasks where real-life mistakes can be catastrophic. However, VR can cause discomfort, including “simulator sickness,” making long sessions taxing. Bailenson shares, “VR is great when used sparingly and thoughtfully. Otherwise, the cons often outweigh the pros.” So, what should you do — and avoid — when slipping on that headset?
Here are 5 things to do in virtual reality:
Travel to awe-inspiring or personally challenging places: Whether wandering the ancient ruins of Pompeii or gazing over the Grand Canyon, VR’s strength lies in “being there.” It’s a remarkable tool for exposure therapy, too, helping people safely confront fears, like flying, with lasting success.
Learn complex skills like surgery or public speaking: VR shines for procedural learning that requires hands-on steps, such as surgical training or practising speeches, where spatial awareness and immersion truly matter.
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Try on a new identity carefully: Choosing the right avatar matters. Studies show your virtual appearance shapes your behaviour, taller avatars make users negotiate more confidently, athletic ones encourage more movement. Bailenson advises picking avatars that reflect your real or ideal self thoughtfully.
Take a VR fitness class: Great for boosting physical activity, VR fitness is fun and immersive. Just be wary of precision sports, throwing a baseball accurately remains a challenge in VR.
Enjoy running or moving: Natural body movements make VR special, but beware, your unique movement patterns can reveal your identity even if your avatar hides your face.
5 things to avoid in virtual reality
Don’t use VR for routine meetings or sitting still tasks; a computer will do
Avoid solving abstract problems like basic maths in VR—it adds little value
Steer clear of precision activities needing exact spatial judgement
Avoid avatars that don’t suit you; mismatched avatars can affect real-world behaviour
Don’t expect anonymity; movement data can easily identify users
Jeremy Bailenson, informs, “VR’s intensity means it works best in short bursts and specific contexts. Used wisely, it’s a powerful tool. Overused, it’s more trouble than it’s worth.” So, next time you pop on that headset, remember: the magic lies in choosing the right experience for VR, and knowing when to step back into the real world.
FAQs on virtual reality:
1. What is virtual reality (VR)?
Virtual reality is a technology that creates an immersive, computer-generated environment that users can interact with using special devices like VR headsets.
2. What are the common uses of virtual reality?
VR is used in gaming, education, training simulations, healthcare (therapy and surgery planning), real estate virtual tours, and even social networking.
3. What equipment do I need to experience virtual reality?
Typically, you need a VR headset, controllers, and a compatible computer or console. Some VR experiences also work with smartphones and standalone VR devices.
4. Can VR cause motion sickness or discomfort?
Yes, some users experience motion sickness or eye strain due to the disconnect between visual movement and physical sensations. Taking breaks and using well-designed VR systems helps reduce this.
5. Is virtual reality safe for children?
VR can be safe for children if used appropriately, but many manufacturers recommend age limits (usually 12 or 13+) due to developing vision and possible discomfort.
Disclaimer: This article, including health and fitness advice, only provides generic information. Don’t treat it as a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist for a specific health diagnosis
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