by Kevin Huang Have you ever thought about escaping to an imaginary world where fiction becomes reality? Taking all our childhood fantasies into mind, virtual reality, or VR, has given us the means of turning those fantasies into reality. VR is essentially a technology that lets the user simulate being in a different environment. The concept of it used to be one as far-fetched as that of the existence of unicorns but with the current advances in technology, we have never been closer to making that idea a reality and virtual reality is what makes it all possible. While its prominent use has been that for gaming, VR has all the potential for it to thrive in the different aspects of our lives such as our education, entertainment, the military, and many others.
With the introduction of the Oculus Rift by Oculus VR, a pair of electronic gaming goggles, a few years back, we were presented with a new breakthrough in the world of gaming. Gone were the days of smashing our controllers as we received the ability to see into a different world through those goggles. It wasn’t long before other major companies began taking part in this new unexplored field. Nintendo and Sony were quick to develop their own versions of the technology and the popularity has simply exploded. While current development still revolves around gaming, the potential for VR can’t be ignored. The one thing that VR brings to the table is the fact that we can do whatever we want without having to do it in real life. So what are some of the potential uses that could come with it? Limitless Education Outside its current uses for entertainment, VR has some serious potential in other fields. Education is one area that cannot be overlooked when we think about VR. We have always read about the different historical events within our textbooks but with VR in the picture, we now have a way for us to actually experience these events. It would provide us with a more interesting take on the subjects we learn at school while bringing in the option to interact with what we are learning. VR also has the ability to save the resources needed in our current-day education. Many companies have began developing different means of using VR as a medium for education. Google recently came out with the Google Expeditions Pioneer Program, which is a program that uses VR as a way for expedition teams to take students and teachers on field trips anywhere. Discovery has also started using the technology as they introduce Discovery VR, a program that lets you experience Discovery Channel shows in a whole new way. These educational programs are the leading pioneers in what could become the next level in the education for future generations. The VR Doctor? VR has also been making its way into the our hospitals and therapy centers. A platform called Bravemind has offered hundreds of hospitals, universities, and military bases the ability to help patients with traumatic experiences by having them undergo therapy within VR. VR allows these patients to be put under environments that mirror their past traumas which can be used for rehabilitation. Medical students will be provided the ability to practice surgery without resorting to cutting open an actual animal or body. Surgical Theater is one such program that allows doctors and patients the ability to explore and interact with the human anatomy. VR is on its way to completely revolutionizing the medical world. Where Else? Many benefits and potential of VR can be seen in other fields as well. Chemistry students will gain the ability to perform their experiments without actually having to use expensive and potentially dangerous ingredients and equipment. Military combat drills can be simulated in a different reality which could prevent our combatants from injuries. Architects can now put up models of buildings that will put the ones we have now to shame. The possibilities with VR are literally endless as it offers a way to do anything without repercussions. But while VR seems like the next best thing since sliced bread, we have to also keep in mind some of the cons that it brings. A Gift or a Curse? The most dangerous thing about virtual reality is the fact that it’s a different reality, one that we can create ourselves. The implication of this is both rewarding and terrifying as we realize the possible addiction issues that could come along with it. If offered the chance to escape the hardships of society, who wouldn’t say no to living in VR. Society could easily be broken down as people leave their everyday jobs to pursue the wonders the VR world has to offer. Also, what would happen to those who can’t afford the technology? They would be left to clean up the mess. We also have to keep in mind that the concept of VR is still very experimental and the laws and regulations regarding it are still a blurred line. What if we end up frying our brains because of this experimental tech? What if serious crimes are committed through the use of VR but no law or regulation is set in place? There are just as many potential problems as there are rewards when it comes to VR. VR is a technology that is said to be one that will revolutionize the world. While the future for the technology certainly seems bright, it is up to us to understand it and recognize the problems that could come with it. One thing is for certain and that is the fact that VR is here and there are still many things that we can do with the technology. a
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The Taida Student Journal has been active since 1995 with an ever-changing roster of student journalists at NTU. Click the above link to read about the authors Archives
May 2024
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