Virtual reality has become the craze over the past few years. Virtual reality is a computer generated simulation that displays 3-D images and environments. While fighting beasts and flying through space seems like a fun task, many can’t help but wonder if virtual reality is good thing.
Virtual reality can be used for many things, such as gaming, shopping, learning, therapy and much more. Graphics and sound effects are used to create excellent experiences for the user. This technology is so advanced that visual effects seem better than reality at times.
The Pros of VR
Flexibility
As mentioned earlier, virtual reality can be used for many things. Interestingly enough, users participating in virtual reality are able to adapt to their virtual environments within 10 minutes of having the technology on. On one side, VR can be a used to enrich learning in the classroom. On the other side, it can be used to display architectural layouts to help envision the final product of a project.
Communication
Users are able to communicate with people they’ve never met before using VR. Communicating with others online is one of the main uses for virtual reality. Users are able to hangout in different scenes and chat with others, play games, and even dance. This is especially useful for individuals who stir away from in person interaction.
Learning
Virtual reality can be used for learning purposes. This can be used to conduct training for flying, surgery, and even cooking. While performing tasks, users are able to see what it’s like to actually partake in these things. This is seen as a more practical way of learning. However, this is not to say that a student should attempt flying a plane if VR was their only source of practice.
The Cons of VR
Cost
Though virtual reality is deemed extremely fun, not everyone can afford this technology as it does not come cheap. Aside from the cost of the virtual reality equipment, it requires high-end computers to support it in most cases. The price of VR can range anywhere from $300 to $2000.
Addiction
The experiences of virtual really can easily be addictive. Why? Because it’s fun and users are able to experience things, they may not ever get the chance to do in real life. While some parts of VR may seem healthy, others are not. Users have access to violence using this technology. Hours of a constant display of violence is never a good thing. This could ultimately encourage users to commit these acts in real life.
Isolation
It’s important to note that excessive use of any type of technology is never good. Total immersion makes it easy to get lost in the world of virtual reality. So much so that you forget what’s going on in the real world.
Reality
While the experiences encountered on VR seem real, they’re not. Users are able to do things such as fly planes, fight in combat, and play basketball. However, when it comes to reality, it’s totally different, and users will face the consequences of their actions.
While VR can be used to enhance skills in some instances, there’s a limit. It’s easy to lose sense of what’s real and what’s fake.