Virtual reality can have both positive and negative impacts on future society
What makes you think when you hear the word “VR”? Probably a 3D game that you could feel like you are in the “game universe.” However, modern technology has advanced into virtual reality (VR) with diverse features ranging from social interaction to healthcare. While some view VR in a positive perspective, others focus on its downsides, such as isolation and health concerns. The time when VR revolutionizes society is not far away, so the debate surrounding the future implications of VR needs increasing attention.
VR can revolutionize our society by bringing positive impacts like education. By providing virtual classes and realistic teaching experiences, students can learn information from both artificial intelligence (AI) and real teachers. Meanwhile, teachers can do a simulation of teaching to prepare for classes. For example, when they want to improve their teaching skills, they can practice with AI students on VR. Though
Additionally, VR can bring lost lives to their family. Recently, there was an article from Reuters about a mother meeting her long deceased daughter. Scientists used programs to make the daughter into an AI human with the same appearance and voice, which eventually brought the mother into tears of joy. Events like this could happen by utilizing advanced technology with VR. Even if scientists cannot create physical copies of passed individuals, VR can assist people mentally by showing delightful memories from the past.
However, incorporating VR into daily life involves many risks. First of all, humans could have higher isolation time. When people get immersed in VR, which already includes a feature of meeting people online, they will become excessively dependent on the system of fake life, which could lead to less in-person interactions. As a result, it could decrease their social skills required in real life. On top of that, overuse of the technology might lead to eye strain, motion sickness, as well as mental disorders.
It is still a debate whether or not humans should use VR as a part of their daily routine. The benefits and downsides to VR coexist, and it is each individual’s choice to decide which one their life is more inclined to. In conclusion, VR holds great potential for future technology, but it is crucial to address its risks in order to be safe with it.