Virtual Reality

A very alarming example of VR in the future can be seen in William Gibson’s Fragments of a Hologram Rose. It is very likely that the physiological issues facing VR will be overcome in the near future, however, the potential psychological damage that VR may have is a very serious problem that needs to be the focus of much attention.

On the whole, Virtual Reality is a remarkable advancement in technology that has the potential to be used for the better of mankind. Critics expressed concern when previous technological advancements were created such as video games and television, in fear that people would lose their ‘grip’ on the real world (Rosengren, 1981). People will create a perfect VR environment to live in so they won’t have to face their real life problems or fears. Parker is a recluse who is addicted to living his life and his dreams in a virtual world. The feel and taste of a carrot…the robust richness of the world we live in will never be completely representable…VR offers a way to experience life in a way that adds to our everyday experiences” (Pimental, Teixeira, 1995, p.

In their book VR: Through the New Looking Glass, Pimentel and Teixeira when asked if virtual realities will replace realities reply “No.

The major concern of some critics is that Virtual Reality will “use us in the future by becoming too large for us to control” (Kalli, Chritine, 2000, p. VR invites user participation in problem solving, concept development, and creative expression, in an environment that is safer than the ‘real’ world (Osberg, 1992). Perhaps VR is merely a continuation in the advancement of communication technologies; people are apprehensive towards what is new (Rosengren, 1981). VR can also, and in some case has already, been very successful in areas such as military, training/education, surgery, entertainment, advertising, and tourism (NCT Course Content, 2001).