Virtual reality has most certainly made its mark on the world. You’d be hard-pressed to find someone without opinions about it. After all, where else would you find technology that can practically transport you to a different environment without moving an inch?
Virtual reality gaming is still what people associate VR technology with, and while it is ground-breaking and highly immersive, virtual reality technology shouldn’t be limited by a single industry. So how is VR being used to better society as a whole? To start with, here are three other industries utilising VR in new and innovative ways.
1. Sports
It’s safe to say that VR technology has changed the landscape of the sports industry forever. Athletes and coaches are now utilising virtual reality to simulate environments that aid in sports training. They can also watch different versions of realities in which their gameplay is improved.
Virtual reality technology makes analysing and critiquing performances much more straightforward. They are then able to give more focused, accurate feedback to players. There is also evidence that VR helps improve cognitive functions, especially after athletes sustain an injury, as they can still improve their techniques through virtual reality.
2. Wellness of the mind
Virtual reality technology has become one of the most innovative treatments for PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder). With exposure therapy that VR facilitates, the traumatic incident can be played for them in a safe and secure environment. The goal is for them to gradually come to terms with it and, hopefully, move on.
The same concept also applies to people suffering from disorders like anxiety, depression, or irrational fears. If you have anxiety and meditation is the best way to cope, VR can help simulate the perfect conditions to manage your symptoms and assist with coping mechanisms. The virtual reality environment, which is real enough to achieve improvement but also provides comfort in its safety, is invaluable for a patient’s healing. This technology’s impact on up and coming mental health treatments is impossible to calculate.
3. Learning and education
Would it surprise you that virtual reality technology applies to schools as well? Educators are increasingly finding that adapting this technology to their curriculum and lessons can be highly engaging for students.
First, they’ll be able to use this technology to interact with each other and their digital environment while maintaining healthy social interaction. For example, taking virtual excursions to educational facilities like the science centre, travelling to outer space to see the different stars, or being transported to different time periods altogether can be extremely helpful and fun.
There has also been evidence to suggest that VR technology can be very beneficial to children with special needs or intellectual disabilities. Autistic children, for example, have found that virtual reality is a safe space to practice their social skills for them to assimilate into society better.
Conclusion
It’s safe to say that VR technology can have life-changing and life-saving implications for us all. But while the effect of virtual reality technology can be felt far and wide, do take a journey back to its not-so-humble roots in gaming. After all, there are still several undeniable benefits to VR. V-Room provides the best VR gaming experience in the country. What are you waiting for? Contact us and get started today!