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“Virtual Reality is like dreaming with your eyes open.”

– Brennan Spiegel

Technology is evolving faster and faster day by day, especially in this 21^st century where almost everything is influenced by the power of technology. There are a lot of new technologies that have been introduced into our world. Virtual reality (VR) is one of the modern technologies that has gained popularity among many people in the past few years. Therefore, it is very important to understand what virtual reality is and what impacts it could bring to our lives as well as to the future world.

What Is Virtual Reality?

“Virtual reality is the use of computer technology to create a simulated environment” (Bardi, 2019). In other words, it is a system that allows users to experience and interact with a virtual world in a way that makes them feel like they are really there. For instance, VR uses various systems such as headsets, voice input, and special gloves to stimulate our senses (vision, hearing, touch, and even smell) together in order to create the illusion of reality. Oculus Rift, HoloLens, HTC Vive, PlayStation VR, and Samsung Gear VR are some of the most popular headsets on the market today (Adorama, 2018).

The Impacts Of Virtual Reality

Pros

Most people might see gaming and entertainment as the main use for virtual reality, but there are many other opportunities that VR can offer. It can change the way we learn and also improve the ways we do things. Apart from game or entertainment, VR can be used in many different fields such as in medical, aviation, military, and education as well as for training purposes.

Training can be very expensive and dangerous situations can happen at any possible time. With the use of VR, training can become so much easier and much cheaper. For example, medical students can use virtual reality to study anatomy and practice dangerous surgical procedures on a completely imaginary patient without having to put anyone’s life at risk. If they perform well in the simulation, they can be allowed to handle a real operation. Studies show that training through VR technology can help surgeons to operate and perform more efficiently and effectively with fewer mistakes. Moreover, “pilots can use realistic cockpits with VR technology in holistic training programs that incorporate virtual flight and live instruction” (Adorama, 2018). Besides that, military forces can use VR for training by simulating battlefield scenarios. They can also use it for flight, vehicle simulations, and medic training as well as virtual boot camp which enable them to “reduce training costs and recreate training conditions safely” (Adorama, 2018).

Furthermore, VR can also be used to improve mental health and reduce stress by creating soothing environments and calming simulations. People can enjoy different views of nature, whether it is a view of a beach, forest, or even hike up to the peak of Mount Everest at anywhere and anytime they want to. This can save not only our time, but also our money and energy as well. Additionally, VR can also be used to treat anxiety. For instance, people that have a problem with a public speaking or struggling to speak in front of large audiences, can use VR environment to help train themselves by practicing their speech in front of virtual audiences until it becomes easy for them.

On top of that, VR also has a big impact on education. For example, with the help of VR, students can actually visit space, solar system, and even historical time period remotely in a very realistic way. Study shows that by learning through VR technology, students are able to learn and understand better than the traditional way. As a result, with the use of virtual reality, people can experience the real-world in a completely new way. It allows us to do things that we cannot just do in our reality which makes life becomes less stressful and learning becomes so much easier.

Cons

Although virtual reality has many influences in our lives, there are also some problems with this technology. One of the main concerns is cyber-sickness. For instance, VR can cause motion sickness and can make users feel dizzy or nausea after spending a period of time in a virtual world. It can also cause some problems like headaches and weak eyesight if we use it for too long. Another problem is VR can be very expensive as it deals with complex systems. Therefore, it is impossible for everyone to afford it which could create a digital divide (Sahas, 2019).  

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