With reality having its clutches so deep into us, it becomes kind of hard for us travel to the world so perfect and away from the hustles of the society. Cue Virtual Reality.
Virtual Reality not only takes to the world that provides us with simulated virtual experiences but also gives a breather from the fast-paced world we live in.
VR, VR Everywhere:
Samsung Electronics. Co and Alphabet Inc have already released their virtual-reality headsets that use smartphones as the screen. Also, Facebook Inc’s Oculus and Sony Corp are planning to introduce their own members to the VR family. With so many companies coming up with their own virtual reality headsets, it becomes very important for us to know about the side effects of these “cool” headsets on our eyes, brain and behaviour.
Leaving aside the fact that whether the customers will really pay hundreds of dollars or sell their kidneys for these devices, the questions regarding the long-term effects of VR headsets remain answered.
Possible Repercussions:
According to the Oculus Rift’s guidelines, nausea, eyestrain and seizures can be caused by this experience. Also, Samsung and Oculus do urge the children to maintain their distance from the headsets and that adults take a 10-minute break every half an hour. They also suggest not riding bikes, driving or operating machinery if the user feels uncomfortable after the session.
Need for Research:
Though virtual reality has been present since a long time and has been used to cure many disorders like post-traumatic stress disorder and depression, but the chances of it having negative detrimental effects on a person cannot be ignored too. Scientists suggest that the only way to get over them is to wait and be cautious.
So is Augmented Reality Better?
Not many of us can forget how Microsoft released its Minecraft demo using HoloLens augmented reality. Augmented reality basically provides the customers with an experience in which they can travel to a virtual world without losing the hold on the real world. Oculus Rift’s ability to take people to a world where they can have zero interaction with the reality can sometimes end up being its only restriction. This is what proves to be the new HoloLens selling point. In Oculus Rift, one might end up crashing into things as the darkness creeps in. On the other hand, he could choose to get a HoloLens, work on his new project and at the same time effortlessly try to finish his breakfast.
To sum up, even though there is a huge possibility that VR can have negative effects that are long lasting, the most important thing for us is to remain sensible and at the same take full advantage of what this technology has to offer.
