Modeling Reality with Virtual Worlds

The concept of Virtual Worlds has been introduced to us over the last few years, and while most believe Virtual reality is a new and exciting way of communication, socializing, and gaming; others are strongly opposed to it’s integration into society in the near future. Although some might question it’s uses, there is no denying that Virtual Reality tech is used for more than just gaming and entertainment like the Oculus Rift and Oculus Cinema. The health care industry has already introduced Virtual Reality tech into its world for some time now, most commonly in 3D sonograms and CAT scans. Virtual reality also serves as a cost-effective tool for rehabilitation. Stroke and brain injury victims across Europe are using virtual-reality therapy to regain motor and cognitive functions. It’s even been proven to work faster than traditional therapy.

Although Virtual Reality tech is beneficial for many uses, some might argue that while living through these worlds, some users concept of real-world interaction may be deceived. Some may actually form an addiction to living in these virtual worlds, thus neglecting their real life responsibilities. Other than the obvious negative social stigma that comes along with the over use of Virtual Reality, there are some health risks that come along with the tech. Many cases have been reported where people feel severe amounts of stress and suffer from panic and anxiety attacks directly after wearing a full occlusion head set for more than a few minutes. A recently conducted study from the UCLA Keek Center for Neurophysics show even more negative physical effects such as; motion sickness, nausea and sever eyestrain.

Even though there are some negatives, there are much more positives that come along with the use of VR tech. People suffering for social, mental and physical disabilities can experience a full and eventful life right in their own personal comfort zone. In one CNN article David Savill, creator of virtual world “Second Life”, a website that serves those with autism and those on the autistic spectrum, says that virtual world is beneficial to those who do not have the mental stability to socialize and interact in a normal setting. Savill states, "You’re not going out into the real world meeting people, you're going meeting people online and in your own home, so you're perfectly relaxed. It's just a fantastic tool to use to bring people together." –David Savill (http://www.cnn.com/2008/HEALTH/conditions/03/28/sl.autism.irpt/index.html#cnnSTCText).

Virtual reality redefines the ideas of communication, expanding it from just the people you see day to day, to anyone connected to the Internet. VR tech gives you the opportunity to create a world of your own, and in our own virtual worlds we can be who we want to be, spending and doing whatever we want without consequence. These worlds give us an opportunity to do things we’d never be able to do in our every day lives. “In the real world, we may not be invited to a party at the embassy, but our avatar will.” – Ruth La Ferla (http://www.nytimes.com/2009/10/22/fashion/22Avatar.html). I believe within the next decade that VR technology will advance and be used more and more in our everyday lives. As it keeps improving and becoming more accessible, humans will become more reliant on the technology. Although there are many negative aspects of the VR technology, the positives outweigh them. Virtual reality technology can create a useful and happier environment for those who do not have the social means to go out and socialize themselves, or even for those who would just like to meet people they would have never had the chance to have met. In conclusion, I believe Virtual reality tech is resourceful and smart piece of technology, and I am excited to see where this goes in the future.