This is the new reality
Virtual Reality is becoming the new reality. We have now seen that it is is leading to great developments in various branches of psychology. The key that makes virtual reality effective is that the user feels that they are truly immersed into a different environment and reality. The VR designers took great lengths to create headsets with extremely powerful visual graphics as well as create other tools such as gloves and remote control so that we can engage all of our senses to have the most realistic virtual experience. 3D audio helps to facilitate feelings of real immersion so that the individual forgets about their actual surroundings and can engage in the virtual environment. By creating software that engages each of our senses, virtual reality is able to "trick" our brain into thinking that the virtual reality is actual reality. It is constantly evolving and soon may involve our sense of touch as well, making it even more realistic. Many companies are beginning to use film of real life in their virtual reality environments instead of the original animated environments.
It is already incredibly powerful where it is right now developmentally. We've seen that it has already revolutionized exposure therapy and has been proven to be highly successful in treating phobias and other anxiety disorders. It enables individuals to embody another which has lead to decreases in depression, increased empathy for self and for others, as well as helped individuals with body image disorders such as anorexia, bulimia, and gender dysphoria. We are now able to experience what it is like to be in another body, whether that is shorter, taller, thinner, heavier, or a different gender, one that is our own, one that is another, or what that we feel we should be. It provides environments for us to experience awe, enhance meditation, prepare to achieve our goals and reach self-actualization. It can prepare athletes for competition and help them to reach their full potential even in terms of mental toughness. The possibilities that virtual reality provides are already limitless. Imagine what it will be like when it is developed even further. Virtual reality may just become the new reality.
It is already incredibly powerful where it is right now developmentally. We've seen that it has already revolutionized exposure therapy and has been proven to be highly successful in treating phobias and other anxiety disorders. It enables individuals to embody another which has lead to decreases in depression, increased empathy for self and for others, as well as helped individuals with body image disorders such as anorexia, bulimia, and gender dysphoria. We are now able to experience what it is like to be in another body, whether that is shorter, taller, thinner, heavier, or a different gender, one that is our own, one that is another, or what that we feel we should be. It provides environments for us to experience awe, enhance meditation, prepare to achieve our goals and reach self-actualization. It can prepare athletes for competition and help them to reach their full potential even in terms of mental toughness. The possibilities that virtual reality provides are already limitless. Imagine what it will be like when it is developed even further. Virtual reality may just become the new reality.
Further Exploration
As has been previously mentioned, virtual reality presents us with endless possibilities, especially with the continual advancement of technology. There is so much to explore further on virtual reality and its impact on each of these areas of psychology. For more information check out the links provided below.
Clinical Psychology
Resources on Anxiety/PTSD
Resources on Depression
Resources on Gender Dysphoria
Resources on Eating Disorders/Body Image Disorders