What is virtual reality?
Virtual reality is a simulated environment where users are able to experience a whole new world. It allows users to immerse into a world where they experience a 3D environment like no other.
Virtual reality is a technique that aims to generate computer images and videos in order to create real-life experiences and visuals. When using VR you will feel mesmerised as it is something different to what you already use when gaming.
VR systems use artificial technology and enhancements in order to meet the user’s needs. They may provide controls that are augmented which leads the user to feel a connection with the virtual environment.
VR can involve many different uses that can create cool features such as drawing, interaction and socialising. They help create 3D images with video in-depth and compare 2D and 3D animations. It is a great way to reduce stress and keep yourself entertained.
Even though VR has many benefits users can become isolated, paranoid or lonely. This is due to not having any friends or staying indoors for a long amount of time.
Virtual reality can make users become antisocial and lose essential skills such as communicating or interacting with others. This is because of the amount of time they spend using virtual reality.
Virtual reality is on track to getting rid of psychological health problems. Technology has affected many individuals in so many ways that could be beneficial to them. Such as becoming part of a coping mechanism that helps individuals get through anxiety or depression.
The positive impact of virtual reality on mental health
VR helps those who are anxious and full of stress. In other words, it makes individuals feel more relaxed by releasing hormones that help get rid of stress.
Virtual reality has had a significant impact during the pandemic. More people played video games and browsed through various VR features that allows them to stay busy. Users would stay invested and have knowledge about the different principles and fundamentals of virtual reality.
Software systems have evolved to allow smoother navigation systems for different types of users. VR has come a long way and has been developing and progressing since the early 2000s.
Virtual reality can be used to boost productivity and help users communicate with each other through augmented and simulated environments. VR chat is another aspect of virtual reality and allows users to communicate with others through their headphones or microphones.
Virtual reality is most popular in video games as more and more users are interested in what they have to offer. It gives users less stress when having to use and deal with various technology equipment as they would already know what to do when experiencing it.
Furthermore, technology has been popular within the health industry. It can also help out with the psychological aspect such as anxiety, paranoia, tension or fear.
It prevents claustrophobia and allows users to explore and game from the comfort of their own homes. Many people use VR in their homes which is a more cost-effective option. This would provide a safe space for many clients.
VR creates a realistic world and makes users more comfortable wherever they are. This makes it easy for them to interact and explore the virtual world with ease.
The negative impact of virtual reality on mental health
Virtual reality can also become harmful to users on many occasions. The equipment could become faulty or there may be some type of error when using VR which could frustrate the user and put them in a bad mood.
The navigation of VR can become quite complex and difficult to use as there could be too many features implemented into the simulation that could confuse or put off the user which makes them not what to use technology in general anymore.
The enhancement could become an addiction which can make users develop erratic behaviour such as violence or anger. Users may want to disconnect from the real world and focus on what is happening in the virtual world. VR can become unrealistic at times as users would not be able to feel objects around them.
Not to mention that it is time-consuming, which means the user would have to go through numerous steps to set up VR and test it out to see if there are any errors.
There may be bugs in VR as it could be in beta mode which means it is not fully functional. Users may use apps on their phones to connect to simulated environments using VR. Resulting in reliable success when using a mobile phone to access VR.
Virtual reality can cause mild health issues such as depression, dizziness or seizures. This could be during the VR experience or once the user has finished with it.
You can lose your balance or suffer health problems which may increase your chances of getting phobias or other psychological problems. Many individuals may find it difficult to adapt due to the heavy applications and extensive use of VR applications.
VR and therapy
Virtual reality utilises a headset to help provide real-life experiences in a virtual world. If you are nervous or hesitant to speak in front of a crowd you could talk to thousands of people through VR without organising an audience in order to cope with your nerves.
This takes therapy to a different level as it becomes more than just talking about your problems or concerns with a therapist but can probably solve your worries through the use of virtual reality.
Conclusion
Overall, virtual reality is a great way to have fun and keep yourself entertained. It includes elements of realistic and non-realistic features that make it exciting and interesting. VR is popular and is becoming more known to a lot of people. This can make it difficult to cope with real-life scenarios and situations.
It can also benefit you immensely through different environments. Which can incorporate augmented apps via the smartphone such as Pokémon Go.
I feel that VR helps treat mental health problems efficiently as it distracts the users from thinking about anything negative that could impact them.