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Virtual realities are artificial worlds, most often seen through the use of special devices, most often the virtual reality glasses. A person in a virtual reality world can move around, touch and even interact with the features contained in the artificial world. The virtual reality effect is either gotten from a headset with a small screen attached or in specially designed rooms with special large screens.
Virtual reality is actually quite different from augmented reality. Virtual reality creates an artificial world that is only limited by the user's imagination. Augmented reality only enhances a person's perception of reality. It doesn't create something that isn't already there, it only expands on something that is already present.
Applications of Virtual Reality
The most prevalent use of virtual reality is in the gaming industry. Game producers have been adapting virtual reality into their games since the 1990's. It leads to a more interactive and fun gaming experience because you feel like you are actually in the game.
Virtual reality is used in entertainment to provide a 360 degree view of things. You get a view from all angles. It is also being used in theme parks to make the attractions more realistic.
It can help to improve the health care system. Surgical practices and procedures can be taught and shown to students at a very low risk to human life. Also, risky and new surgeries can be practiced extensively before they are done. It also aids in psychological treatments as well. It helps to show the viewpoint of the user.
It could also help with education. Since it is very interactive, you can learn virtually anything and you can go back to review things you don't understand with very little difficulty. It could also help with learning new languages, because it could give you the opportunity to interact with other people that are speaking the language you are interested in and therefore, making you more proficient.
It helps with space and astronaut training, as it gives the astronauts a chance to adapt to outer space conditions before going there. It is used to simulate the gravity conditions in space and even teach them how to walk and move around.
It would actually be a big help in architecture because you could design models of what you want to build and note the problem areas and solve them before actually erecting the structure. It would save a lot of money in maintenance and repair costs.
Possible Disadvantages
It has been known to have an adverse effect on the vision of the user, after prolonged usage. Since it is impossible to see the surrounding environment with the glasses on, this might lead to accidents or even injuries to the user.
There are also privacy concerns, as the technology is highly vulnerable to hacking. It might also lead to psychological issues for some people who are unable to distinguish between the 'real' and 'virtual' world.
Although, the truth is there are ways more pros than consider. I hope this technology continues to improve and that they can fix the few issues related to its usage.
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