Virtual reality (VR) is an immersive experience that allows users to interact with digital environments as if they were physically present. To do this, a headset with two screens closes the gap between your eyes to display a stereoscopic 3D image that mimics depth and creates an alternate reality. VR also uses gyroscopic sensors, accelerometers and magnetometers to track movement and determine the user’s location.
The emergence of high-quality and affordable headsets has made VR accessible for consumers. VR technology can be used in many different ways, from education to entertainment. However, the medium is not without risks. In addition to the potential of triggering anxiety and other psychological conditions, VR can also make us feel detached from our physical world. This disconnection is often described as “VR sickness,” and it can happen at any point during a VR session. This is because VR tricks our brains into believing that we are in a different environment, when, in fact, we are not.
VR is most familiar as a gaming tool, with gamers using it to play games that are highly engaging and exciting. VR can also be a social experience when friends or family members play together. The social component of VR gaming is an important aspect because it can encourage kids to use their imaginations and creativity. VR can also be a way for teens and tweens to engage with experiences that they may not have access to in real life, such as traveling to other parts of the world or going to concerts.
In healthcare, VR is being used for medical training. It can be used to simulate dangerous situations that require a high level of expertise or precision, such as pediatric trauma scenarios where split-second decisions can mean the difference between life and death. Similarly, it can be used to train firefighters, paramedics and police officers on how to handle high-risk situations.
It can also be used to teach anatomy, as students and practicing doctors can learn about different parts of the body by interacting with them in virtual settings. And it can be a great way to practice surgical procedures before actually performing them on a patient.
Tourism and travel are other big areas where VR is being used. For example, the New York City-based tour company Thomas Cook recently debuted a VR experience that lets people sample vacations before they book them. The company saw a 190% increase in New York excursion bookings after its launch.
Other forms of VR are being used in retail, real estate and other industries. For instance, some apps allow shoppers to try on clothes, experiment with hairstyles or test eyeglasses before making a purchase. VR has even helped architects show clients detailed designs in 3D, and it has enabled home buyers to take virtual tours of homes before committing to buy them.