virtual reality essay topics

109 Virtual Reality Topics & Essay Examples

When writing a virtual reality essay, it is hard to find just one area to focus on. Our experts have outlined 104 titles for you to choose from.

🏆 Best Virtual Reality Topics & Essay Examples

🕶️ good virtual reality research topics, 🤖 interesting virtual reality research paper topics, ❓ research questions about virtual reality.

Humanity has made amazing leaps in technology over the past several years. We have reached frontiers previously thought impossible, like the recreation of virtual environments using computers. These three-dimensional worlds can be accessed and explored by people. This is made possible with VR headsets, such as Oculus Rift or HTC Vive. If you’re eager to find out more, peek at our collection of VR research topics below!

• Virtual Reality Versus Augmented Reality In fact, this amounts to one of the merits of a virtual reality environment. A case example of this type of virtual reality is the Virtual Reality games.
• Virtual Reality Technology The third negative impact of virtual reality is that it causes human beings to start living in the world of fantasy.
• Virtual Reality Tourism Technology In the world of virtual tourism, we can be transported to any country and have the ability to interact and manipulate the elements within the world we are touring in a way that would not […]
• Virtual Reality’s Main Benefits The rapid development and the growing popularity of virtual reality raise a logical interest concerning the advantages and disadvantages that are related to the application of this new technology in various spheres of knowledge and […]
• Virtual Reality’s Benefits and Usages in Concurrent Engineering Figure 1: Phases of concurrent engineering Source As shown in the figure above, the initial stage of concurrent engineering is the identification of the components of the design system.
• Imagineering Myths About Virtual Reality Walt Disney Imagineering team, which encompassed a wide range of professionals responsible for various entertainments offered by theme parks, resorts, and other venues, is currently devoting a lot of time and effort to unlock the […]
• Virtual Reality Technology for Wide Target Audience Due to the numerous applications in both leisure and industry, as well as massive popularity with audiences of different ages, there is a chance that, in several years, evaluating the target audiences of Virtual Reality […]
• Virtual Reality and Solitary Confinement Nowadays, the majority of the representatives of the general public all over the world are familiar with the concept of virtual reality, and many of them have already experienced it.
• A Growth Trajectory of the Virtual Reality Drilling Rig Training During the final three months of development, the VR training program will be refined and tested for usability and effectiveness. Collecting feedback from users is essential for the success of the VR drilling rig training […]
• “The Role of Virtual Reality in Criminal Justice Pedagogy” by Smith The journal is titled “The role of virtual reality in criminal justice pedagogy: An examination of mental illness occurring in corrections”.
• Virtual Reality and Cybersecurity As a result, it is the mandate of the framework entities to establish solutions to the inherent barriers to the implementation of the business plan.
• A Stand-Up Comedy Virtual Reality Platform for Qatar Tourism Choosing the right number of avatars, customization of the product, and pricing the product were the three major challenges that were faced in this project. The second challenge that emerged in the development stage was […]
• Entrepreneurial Opportunities in Virtual Reality In terms of the practical context, the research will focus on the organizations and sectors which are the primary beneficiaries of virtual reality and remote work during the pandemic.
• Virtual Reality Space Product Project Challenges During the project, several challenges came up, which included providing leadership to the team, identifying the customer segment for the product, and understanding the “pains” of the customer segment.
• Reflection on Aspects of Virtual Reality Videos For instance, the video Wolves in the Walls has good graphics and gives the independence to look at every section of the set-up separately.
• Augmented and Virtual Reality for Modern Firms The business environment is not an exception, as firms seek to maximize their value through the implementation of high-tech solutions. AR is another major component of contemporary professional training, as it contributes to the better […]
• The Rules of the Virtual Reality Online environment has been providing the platform for casual interactions as well as economic activities for quite a while.
• How Virtual Reality Is Changing the World of Interior Design In order to become competitive in the sphere of luxury interior design, “More” must make its projects look modern and trendy.
• Rusnak’s “The Thirteenth Floor” and The Concept of Virtual Reality In such consideration, this paper conducts a comparative analysis of The Thirteenth Floor and how the concept of virtual reality was developed and is applied in today’s films.
• Top Companies in the Virtual Reality Industry Currently, Google is the leading search engine company, and there are signs that the company might emerge as one of the heavyweights in the virtual reality industry.
• Screen Culture: Immersion and Virtual Reality If paralleling with the world of video games, the protagonist in that projected art work is the most close to the vision that the user could be associated with.
• Virtual Reality: A Powerful New Technology for Filming The creation of VR highlights a new perception of space because, through technology, people can be transmitted to a different environment.
• Internet, Virtual Reality, and World Wide Web Defining the concept of the Internet is a challenging task, mostly because of the changes that it has undergone over the course of its development.
• Virtual Reality Technology and Soccer Training Moreover, the level of interactivity needs to be significant, and the most attention should be devoted to the modeling of situations that are viewed as the most problematic.
• Char Davies’ Osmose as Virtual Reality Environment On the following position, the installment suggests the invitees a chance to trail the discrete interactor’s voyage of imageries from end to end of this counterpart of natural surroundings.
• Virtual Reality in Healthcare Training The objective data will be gathered to inform the exploration of the first question, and it will focus on such performance measures as time, volume, and efficiency of task completion; the number of errors pre- […]
• Scholar VR: Virtual Reality Planning Service Studio To ensure that the small and mid-sized companies in the United Kingdom understand the leverage they can get by using VR technology.
• IOS and Browser Applications and Virtual Reality From the consumer’s point of view, any mobile application is good if it is of interest to the public and covers a large target audience.
• Virtual Reality’ Sports Training System Working Steps The efficiency of the given technology is evidenced by the fact that it is used by various coaches and teams to provide training for their players. For this reason, it is possible to predict the […]
• Virtual Reality Technology in Soccer Training Therefore, it is imperative to invest in this area to protect the safety of our technology and ensure that we have a viable product.
• Virtual Reality Technology in Referee Training Referees need to experience the practical nature of the profession during the training process, and the VR technology will eliminate the underlying challenges to the development of experience in the profession.
• Surgeon Students’ Virtual Reality Learning Programs In order for the students to feel like they are operating on living patients instead of waving instruments in the air, it is necessary to provide the environment that would compensate for the shortcomings of […]
• Samsung Gear Virtual Reality Product Launch The paper at hand is devoted to the analysis of the launch of Samsung Gear VR from different perspectives: the product development model, the business analysis, its technical implementation, etc.
• Virtual Reality in Military Health Care The purpose of the research is to identify the capabilities of VR and its applications in military health care. This study will explore the current uses of VR, its different functionalities, applications in the field […]
• Virtual Reality Ride Experience at Disneyland Florida The basic concept of the proposed ride is to utilize the current advances in VR technology to create a simulated experience for park-goers that is safe, widely usable, and sufficiently immersive that there is a […]
• Virtual Reality Industry Analysis While it is true that the production and sale of virtual reality headsets could be in the millions in the future as the technology develops and becomes more acceptable, it cannot be stated at the […]
• Virtual Reality in Construction Originally, the use of virtual reality in construction within the past decade has been limited to 3D object design wherein separate 3D representations of the exterior and interior of the buildings are designed utilizing 3D […]
• Virtual Reality in Soccer Training The following work will focus on the analysis of the use of Virtual Reality in the training of soccer players with the evaluation of the practices adopted by particular soccer teams.
• Abstract on Architecture and the Role of Virtual Reality
• Advantages and Disadvantages of Escapism and Virtual Reality
• Strategic Analysis of the Creation of a New Rating System in Virtual Reality Gaming
• Study on Real/Virtual Relationships Through a Mobile Augmented Reality Application
• Benefits and Dangers of Virtual Reality
• Can Virtual Reality Kill?
• Cognitive Psychology & Virtual Reality Systems
• Computer Science and Virtual Reality
• Development of Virtual Reality Technology in the Aspect of Educational Applications
• Difference Between Augmented Reality and Virtual Reality
• Role of Virtual Reality in Education
• Humanity Versus Virtual Reality
• Simulation and Virtual Reality in a Sport Management Curriculum Setting
• Smart VR: A Virtual Reality Environment for Mathematics
• Sports Management Curriculum, Virtual Reality, and Traditional Simulation
• SWOT Analysis: The Lego Product and the ‘Virtual Reality’
• The Augmented Reality and Virtual Reality Market Forecast and Opportunities in U.S.
• Tracking Strategy in Increased Reality and Virtual Reality
• Using the Virtual Reality to Develop Educational Games for Middle School Science Classrooms
• What Is Virtual Reality?
• What Are the Advantages and Disadvantages of Virtual Reality?
• What Do Consumers Prefer for the Attributes of Virtual Reality Head-Mount Displays?
• Virtual Reality and Its Potential to Become the Greatest Technological Advancement
• Lucid Dreams as the First Virtual Reality
• Development of Virtual Reality
• Introduction to Virtual Reality Technology and Society
• Issue “Virtual Reality in Marketing”: Definition, Theory and Practice
• Applying Virtual Reality in Tourism
• Application of Virtual Reality in Military
• Augmented Reality & Virtual Reality Industry Forecast and Analysis to 2013 – 2018
• Breakthrough Virtual Reality Sex Machine
• Components Driving Virtual Reality Today and Beyond
• Data Correlation-Aware Resource Management in Wireless Virtual Reality (VR): An Echo State Transfer Learning Approach
• Gaming to Health Care: Using Virtual Reality in Physical Rehabilitation
• Smart Phones and Virtual Reality in 10 Years
• Evolution of Art in Virtual Reality
• Use of Virtual Reality in Molecular Docking Science Experiments
• Use of Virtual Reality for Concussion Diagnosis
• Virtual Reality as Analgesia: An Alternative Approach for Managing Chronic Pain
• Virtual Reality: The Real Life Implications of Raising a Virtual Child
• When Virtual Reality Meets Realpolitik: Social Media Shaping the Arab Government-Citizen Relationship
• Can Virtual Reality Ever Be Implemented in Routine Clinical Settings?
• What Is More Attractive, Virtual Reality or Augmented Reality?
• What Is Virtual Reality and How It Works?
• What Are the Benefits of Virtual Reality?
• Is Virtual Reality Dangerous?
• How Is Virtual Reality Used in Everyday Life?
• What Are the Risks of Virtual Reality?
• What Is the Future of Virtual Reality in Education?
• How Do You Think Virtual Reality Devices Will Change Our World?
• What Are Three Disadvantages of Virtual Reality?
• What’s the Point of Virtual Reality?
• How Can Virtual Reality Optimize Education?
• How Did Virtual Reality Affect Our Lives?
• Will Virtual Reality Eventually Replace Our Real Reality?
• What Are Some Cool Virtual Reality Ideas?
• When Will We Have Full-Sensory Virtual Reality?
• What Do I Need to Develop Virtual Reality Games?
• Why Did Virtual Reality Never Take Off so Far?
• What Are Medical Applications of Virtual Reality?
• How Virtual Reality Can Help in Treatment of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder?
• What Are the Biggest Problems Virtual Reality Can Solve?
• What Unsolved Problems Could Virtual Reality Be a Solution For?
• How Would a Fully Immersive Virtual Reality Work?
• When Will Virtual Reality Become Popular?
• What’s the Best Way to Experience Virtual Reality Technology?
• How Will Virtual Reality Change Advertising?
• Which Are the Best Virtual Reality Companies in India?
• What Are the Pros and Cons of Virtual Reality?
• What Are the Coding Languages Required for Virtual Reality?
• Chicago (A-D)
• Chicago (N-B)

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107 Virtual Reality Essay Topic Ideas & Examples

Inside This Article

Virtual reality (VR) technology has become increasingly popular in recent years, offering users a fully immersive and interactive experience in a digital environment. With the rise of VR applications in various industries such as gaming, education, healthcare, and entertainment, the possibilities for exploring this technology are endless. If you are looking for inspiration for your next essay on virtual reality, here are 107 topic ideas and examples to get you started:

• The history and evolution of virtual reality technology
• The impact of VR on the gaming industry
• Virtual reality as a tool for education and training
• The use of VR in healthcare for medical simulations and therapy
• Virtual reality and its potential for treating phobias and anxiety disorders
• The ethical implications of using VR in therapy and treatment
• Virtual reality and its role in shaping the future of remote work
• The benefits of using VR for virtual meetings and conferences
• Virtual reality as a tool for creating immersive art and experiences
• The use of VR in architecture and design for virtual walkthroughs
• Virtual reality and its impact on the tourism industry
• The potential of VR for creating virtual travel experiences
• The use of VR in sports training and performance analysis
• Virtual reality and its role in enhancing the shopping experience
• The use of VR in marketing and advertising campaigns
• Virtual reality and its potential for storytelling and narrative experiences
• The impact of VR on social interactions and virtual communities
• Virtual reality and its role in preserving cultural heritage and history
• The use of VR in environmental conservation and awareness campaigns
• Virtual reality and its potential for creating virtual reality theme parks
• The benefits of using VR in disaster response and emergency training
• Virtual reality and its role in enhancing the learning experience for students
• The use of VR in virtual field trips and exploration
• Virtual reality and its impact on mental health and well-being
• The potential of VR for creating virtual reality concerts and music experiences
• The use of VR in virtual reality therapy for PTSD and trauma survivors
• Virtual reality and its role in creating virtual reality escape rooms
• The benefits of using VR in virtual reality fitness and exercise programs
• Virtual reality and its impact on the future of entertainment and media
• The use of VR in virtual reality film production and storytelling
• Virtual reality and its potential for creating virtual reality museums and exhibits
• The ethical implications of using VR in creating virtual reality experiences
• Virtual reality and its role in enhancing virtual reality sports broadcasts
• The benefits of using VR in virtual reality shopping and retail experiences
• Virtual reality and its impact on the future of virtual reality fashion and design
• The use of VR in virtual reality art installations and exhibitions
• Virtual reality and its potential for creating virtual reality music festivals
• The impact of VR on virtual reality theater and live performances
• Virtual reality and its role in enhancing virtual reality travel experiences
• The benefits of using VR in virtual reality culinary experiences
• Virtual reality and its impact on the future of virtual reality documentaries
• The use of VR in virtual reality wildlife conservation and awareness campaigns
• Virtual reality and its potential for creating virtual reality amusement parks
• The ethical implications of using VR in creating virtual reality horror experiences
• Virtual reality and its role in enhancing virtual reality fashion shows
• The benefits of using VR in virtual reality sports training and analysis
• Virtual reality and its impact on the future of virtual reality education
• The use of VR in virtual reality language learning and immersion programs
• Virtual reality and its potential for creating virtual reality historical reenactments
• The impact of VR on virtual reality meditation and mindfulness practices
• Virtual reality and its role in enhancing virtual reality team-building exercises
• The benefits of using VR in virtual reality cooking and culinary classes
• Virtual reality and its impact on the future of virtual reality wellness and self-care
• The use of VR in virtual reality gardening and nature experiences
• Virtual reality and its potential for creating virtual reality pet adoption events
• The ethical implications of using VR in creating virtual reality animal encounters
• Virtual reality and its role in enhancing virtual reality painting and art classes
• The benefits of using VR in virtual reality dance and fitness classes
• Virtual reality and its impact on the future of virtual reality social events
• The use of VR in virtual reality team-building and leadership training
• Virtual reality and its potential for creating virtual reality networking events
• The impact of VR on virtual reality educational games and simulations
• Virtual reality and its role in enhancing virtual reality storytelling and narrative experiences
• The benefits of using VR in virtual reality cultural exchange programs
• Virtual reality and its impact on the future of virtual reality language learning
• The use of VR in virtual reality cooking and culinary experiences
• Virtual reality and its potential for creating virtual reality wildlife conservation programs
• The ethical implications of using VR in creating virtual reality empathy experiences
• Virtual reality and its role in enhancing virtual reality mindfulness and meditation practices
• The benefits of using VR in virtual reality wellness and self-care programs
• Virtual reality and its impact on the future of virtual reality mental health support
• The use of VR in virtual reality pet therapy and animal encounters
• Virtual reality and its potential for creating virtual reality music therapy programs
• The impact of VR on virtual reality art therapy and creative expression
• Virtual reality and its role in enhancing virtual reality dance therapy programs
• The benefits of using VR in virtual reality drama therapy and role-playing exercises
• Virtual reality and its impact on the future of virtual reality storytelling and narrative therapy
• The use of VR in virtual reality group therapy and support groups
• Virtual reality and its potential for creating virtual reality trauma therapy programs
• The ethical implications of using VR in creating virtual reality therapy experiences

Whether you are interested in exploring the potential of virtual reality in education, healthcare, entertainment, or other industries, there are plenty of exciting topics to delve into. With these 107 virtual reality essay topic ideas and examples, you can start brainstorming your next essay on this innovative technology and its impact on society.

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Home — Essay Samples — Information Science and Technology — Computers — Virtual Reality

Essays on Virtual Reality

The importance of writing an essay on virtual reality.

Virtual reality (VR) is an increasingly important and influential technology that is shaping various industries and everyday life. Writing an essay on virtual reality can help to educate others about its potential and impact on society, as well as provide a deeper understanding of its applications and implications.

Here are some reasons why writing an essay on virtual reality is important:

• Educational purposes: By researching and writing about virtual reality, you can help to spread awareness and knowledge about this technology. This can help others to understand the potential benefits and risks associated with VR.
• Impact on industries: Virtual reality has the potential to transform various industries, including healthcare, education, gaming, and entertainment. By writing about VR, you can explore its impact on these industries and how it is changing the way people work, learn, and play.
• Ethical and social implications: Virtual reality raises important ethical and social questions, such as privacy concerns, addiction, and the blurring of virtual and real worlds. Writing an essay on VR can help to explore these implications and provoke critical thinking on these issues.

Writing Tips for an Essay on Virtual Reality

When writing an essay on virtual reality, it's important to consider the following tips:

• Research extensively: Start by conducting thorough research on virtual reality, including its history, current applications, and future potential. This will provide you with a solid foundation for your essay.
• Organize your ideas: Consider the structure of your essay and how you will present your ideas. You may want to start with an introduction that provides background information on VR, followed by sections that explore its impact on different industries and its ethical implications.
• Provide evidence: Back up your points with evidence and examples. This could include case studies, statistics, and expert opinions to support your arguments.
• Consider different perspectives: Virtual reality is a complex and multifaceted technology, so it's important to consider different perspectives and viewpoints. This can help to make your essay more balanced and thought-provoking.
• Revise and edit: Finally, don't forget to revise and edit your essay. Check for clarity, coherence, and grammar, and make sure your writing is engaging and persuasive.

By writing an essay on virtual reality, you can contribute to the ongoing conversation about this groundbreaking technology and help to shape public understanding and discourse about its impact on society. It's an opportunity to explore a fascinating and rapidly evolving field that has the potential to change the world as we know it.

Best Virtual Reality Essay Topics

• The impact of Virtual Reality on mental health treatment
• The ethical implications of Virtual Reality in gaming
• Virtual Reality and its potential for revolutionizing education
• The use of Virtual Reality in architectural design
• Virtual Reality and its role in the future of healthcare
• Exploring cultural implications of Virtual Reality experiences
• The future of Virtual Reality entertainment
• Virtual Reality and its influence on marketing and advertising
• The use of Virtual Reality in military training
• Virtual Reality and its potential for environmental conservation
• The psychological effects of Virtual Reality on users
• Virtual Reality and its applications in the sports industry
• The role of Virtual Reality in simulating historical experiences
• Virtual Reality and its impact on workplace training
• The intersection of Virtual Reality and art
• Virtual Reality and its potential for addressing social issues
• The implications of Virtual Reality in travel and tourism
• Virtual Reality and its influence on remote collaboration
• The future of Virtual Reality in virtual social interactions
• The use of Virtual Reality in immersive storytelling experiences

Virtual Reality Essay Topics Prompts

• Imagine a world where Virtual Reality has replaced traditional forms of entertainment. How would this impact society and culture?
• If you could create a Virtual Reality experience to simulate any historical event, what would it be and why?
• Explore the potential ethical dilemmas that may arise from the widespread adoption of Virtual Reality technology.
• Create a narrative set in a futuristic world where Virtual Reality has become indistinguishable from reality. How does this impact the characters and their perception of the world?
• Write an essay discussing the potential implications of Virtual Reality on the future of work and productivity.

The Transformative Potential of Virtual Reality: Applications and Implications

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The Concept of Virtual Reality

Augmented and virtual reality in healthcare industry, research on virtual reality technology in sports field, what is the meaning and utilization of virtual reality, get a personalized essay in under 3 hours.

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Virtual Reality: Features, Requirements, Applications, Advantages and Disadvantages

What's the difference between augmented reality (ar) and virtual reality (vr), virtual reality in society, applications of virtual reality in different fields of life, a thin line between imagination and reality in "atonement" by ian mcewan, how augmented reality will enhance the customer shopping experience in ecommerce sites, the development of augmented reality, the fundamental idea of a virtual machine, the use of vr technology to treat phobias and other anxiety disorders, the progress of virtual reality technology and the marketing of the product, influence of technology on the society: analysis of ready player one and wall-e, virtual communities using cloud technology, merge made a vr headset suited for kids, weird things you didn't know virtual reality was being used for, the issue of virtual reality in the movie "uncanny valley", marketing research on the new virtual reality service provided by the marriott hotels, review of a vr game experience: oculus first contact, the multifaceted routes to escape from reality, virtual reality: exploring the pros and cons.

Virtual reality (VR) is the use of computer modeling and simulation that enables a person to interact with an artificial three-dimensional (3-D) visual or other sensory environment.

The term virtual reality was coined in 1987 by Jaron Lanier, whose research and engineering contributed a number of products to the nascent VR industry.

Applications of virtual reality include entertainment (particularly video games), education (such as medical or military training) and business (such as virtual meetings).

Simulation-based virtual reality, avatar image-based virtual reality, projector-based virtual reality, desktop-based virtual reality, augmented reality, mixed reality, cyberspace, head-mounted display.

171 million people use VR technology today. The first VR Headset came out in the 1960’s. Seventy-eight of Americans are familiar with virtual reality.

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Television Advancements

1. Introduction One of the main factors that made this happen was the new space age. The space age brought a new era of technology and space travel. This led to a higher demand for an increase in quantity and quality of news that is shown on television. It was during the space age that news became a very important part of television. This is because the only way to watch a shuttle launch before 1980 was to see it on TV. The space age also saw the invention of the communication satellite. This e ...

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Concept of the Network Virtualization Research Paper

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Virtual Reality Versus Augmented Reality Essay

1. Introduction Despite the fact that virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) have existed for quite some time, they have enjoyed a recent surge in popularity - particularly with regards to their application in the world of gaming. But what is VR? How does it differ from AR? Are they really all that similar? In this article, we're going to explain what VR and AR actually are, and consider the potential they both have in the world of gaming. Both are really quite simple. To describe in t ...

Virtual Reality Technology

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The Future of E-Learning

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Impact of Digital Technologies on Contemporary Art Essay

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Online Gaming as a Technology Based Entertainment

1. Introduction The landscape of online gaming Online games are primarily of two types. First, there are those that can be downloaded from the web to be played. Online games may also refer to the games that are played over some kind of computer network, particularly the internet. Online games have mass appeal. Research by the Education Development Center has shown that 53% of 8-12 year olds and 76% of 13-18 year olds have played a video game on the internet. Multiplayer online games are in fact ...

Life of the Future

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Essays on Virtual Reality

Essay on Virtual Reality

Students are often asked to write an essay on Virtual Reality in their schools and colleges. And if you’re also looking for the same, we have created 100-word, 250-word, and 500-word essays on the topic.

Let’s take a look…

100 Words Essay on Virtual Reality

Introduction to virtual reality.

Virtual Reality (VR) is a technology that transports us to a simulated world. It uses a headset to provide a 3D, computer-generated environment.

VR in Entertainment

VR is popular in entertainment. It is used in games and movies to give a realistic and immersive experience.

VR in Education

In education, VR is used to create interactive lessons. It helps students understand complex concepts easily.

VR in Training

VR is also used in training, like pilot training or medical simulations. It provides a risk-free learning environment.

VR is a revolutionary technology, making our experiences more immersive and learning more effective.

250 Words Essay on Virtual Reality

Virtual Reality (VR) is a simulated experience that can be similar or completely different from the real world. It is a technology that creates an immersive, three-dimensional environment, providing a sense of presence and the ability to interact with the environment.

The Science Behind VR

Virtual Reality operates on the premise of creating a sensory experience for the user. It achieves this through stereoscopic display, parallax, and tracking movements. The display is split between the eyes, creating a 3D perspective. Parallax provides depth cues, and tracking movements adjust the user’s view in real-time.

Applications of VR

The potential applications of VR are vast and varied. In gaming, VR creates immersive experiences that transport players into the game’s world. In medicine, VR is used for therapeutic purposes and surgical training. In education, it provides an interactive learning environment, enabling students to understand complex concepts more easily.

The Future of VR

The future of VR is promising. With advancements in technology, the line between the virtual and real world will blur. It could lead to a new era of communication, with VR meetings and conferences becoming commonplace. Furthermore, the integration of artificial intelligence with VR could result in even more immersive and personalized experiences.

Virtual Reality is a groundbreaking technology that has the potential to revolutionize many aspects of our lives. As the technology continues to evolve, the possibilities are limitless. It is an exciting field that holds immense promise for the future.

500 Words Essay on Virtual Reality

Virtual Reality (VR) is a computer-based technology that provides an immersive, interactive experience taking place within a simulated environment. It is an artificial realm, constructed by software, which can either replicate the real world or create an entirely new one.

The Mechanics of Virtual Reality

VR operates by stimulating our senses in such a way that we are deceived into believing that we are in a different setting. This is achieved through a VR headset that provides a stereoscopic display, creating a 3D world by presenting slightly different images to each eye. Additionally, head-tracking sensors monitor the user’s movements and adjust the images accordingly, maintaining the illusion of reality.

Applications of Virtual Reality

The applications of VR are vast and extend beyond entertainment and gaming. In the medical field, VR is used for therapy and rehabilitation, surgical training, and to visualize complex medical data. In education, VR provides immersive learning experiences, making abstract concepts tangible. In the realm of architecture, VR allows for the exploration of virtual building designs before their physical construction.

The Impact of Virtual Reality on Society

VR has the potential to profoundly impact society. It alters the way we interact with digital media, transforming it from a passive experience to an active, immersive one. However, it also raises ethical considerations. As VR becomes more immersive, the line between virtual and physical reality could blur, leading to potential issues around cyber addiction and the devaluation of real-world experiences.

The Future of Virtual Reality

The future of VR is promising, with advancements in technology continually pushing the boundaries of what is possible. Future VR systems may include additional sensory feedback, like touch or smell, to further enhance the immersive experience. Also, the integration of AI with VR could lead to more personalized and adaptive virtual experiences.

In conclusion, VR is a powerful technology with the potential to revolutionize many sectors. Its immersive nature offers unique opportunities for learning, exploration, and experiences. However, as with any technology, it comes with its own set of challenges and ethical considerations. As we continue to develop and integrate VR into our lives, it is crucial to navigate these issues responsibly to harness its benefits fully.

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Virtual Reality (VR)

How it works

Virtual reality has enhance life in all aspects by allowing your senses to feel what your body cannot experience; it allows you to travel, learn, and has a bright future ahead of it. Even though it has experienced obstacles, it is an emerging technology at best. Therefore, what is Virtual reality “Virtual reality is the term used to describe a three-dimensional, computer generated environment which can be explored and interacted with by a person. That person becomes part of this virtual world or is immersed within this environment and whilst there, is able to manipulate objects or perform a series of actions”(Virtual Reality Society, 2017).

Virtual reality has succeeded to enhance life because it exceeds the odds one never expects to meet. “VIRTUAL Reality (VR) is the current frontier in gaming, offering immersion and totally different experiences to what gamers have been used to”(Wilson, 2017). Virtual reality has enhanced this field a lot due to the fact that gamers have a need to feel immersed in the game to feel like their truly there in the action.

Virtual reality has now started to include more and more items to the collection of VR, which is making this reality feel more immersive. Virtual reality gaming still has a long way to go but still has enhanced gaming by a lot already. Another great example of a way Virtual reality has enhanced life if the opportunity to visit locations you have never seen before. “Atlas Obscura is using virtual reality to transport readers to the world’s distant, exotic locations” (Bilton, 2017). To be able to sit in your living room and visit Tokyo would be an exciting adventure. Virtual reality has so many possibilities to enhance your life, and it does not stop at gaming and luxury. The most beneficial enhancement from Virtual reality is education. With virtual reality you now have so much hands on learning capability to train students with this is a true improvement to the education system. On Unimersiv students can enter classes from just about anything from business, science, to physical education. Unimersiv has the most resources to immersive virtual reality content for educational needs online. (Thomas, 2015) Virtual reality has such a big future in education. It is clear that Virtual reality can enhance your life but how did it begin? It begins with a man named Ivan Sutherland and his student Bob Sproul.

Ivan Sutherland was born May 16, 1938; he is an American computer scientist, internet pioneer, and known as a creator of many computer graphics. Bob Sproul Ivan Sutherland’s student was born in 1945; received his master’s degree in computer science and known for working for Oracle Labs (Celebrity Birthdays, n.d.). “In 1968 Ivan Sutherland and his student Bob Sproul created the first VR / AR head mounted display (Sword of Damocles) that was connected to a computer and not a camera. It was a large and scary looking contraption that was too heavy for any user to comfortably wear and was suspended from the ceiling (hence its name). The user would also need to be strapped into the device. (Virtual Reality Society, 2017). Now the reason Ivan thought of Virtual reality was to create the “Ultimate Display” so in 1965 he created a concept that made you view a virtual world to appear realistic. Ivan thought up the ultimate display as a room where you could control matter or the existence of it. If an object were displayed, you would be able to touch it or if something fatal were to appear it would actually cause harm. “With appropriate programming such a display could literally be the Wonderland into which Alice walked” (Virtual Reality Society, 2017).

As great as Virtual reality has come it has went through many hardships through its time lime: Such as price since most VR headsets range from prices of $400-$600 ranges money has become a big obstacle for Virtual reality; “VR right now comes at too high of a price point for many” (Wiltz, 2017). There’s also still way too little information on the side effects VR can cause such as vision problems and seizures; “Many VR side-effects are believed to be temporary and leave no lasting damage, but there have been few long-term studies into use of the technology” (Davis, 2016). Lastly, there is still a major lack of content to take the leap into purchasing a VR device for most struggling households. Therefore, Virtual reality still has many hardships to overcome but the future for VR shines bright. The future of Virtual reality has so many endless possibilities and some of these possibilities are ones we can share with family and friends such as going to the cinema. “If cinema is a shared dream, this is a shared reality(Charara, 2015)” The fact is Virtual Reality can be the source of tons of shared realities. Virtual reality will soon not be restricted to simulated animations due to VRSE. VRSE’s documentaries have outnumbered short films on the mobile, and soon will own a 180 or 360-degree video section to rival the VR movie companies with bigger budgets. During this time Facebook has been excitedly encouraging these changes since the owning of Oculus.(Charara, 2015) Then there’s places looking into VR theme parks; therefore, all those thrill seeking lovers can truly get the thrills they desire. The February of 2016, China’s Shanda Group declared they were investing $350 million in collaboration with The Void to build a VR theme Park. While Starbreeze a Swedish game studio expects to work with the chain of IMAX theaters to bring premium virtual reality ideals to various commercial locations.

Theirs also amusement parks that are also beginning to implement virtual reality into their previous and future rides such as Six Flags. The summer of 2016 Six Flags had begun updating nine of their coasters to have a Virtual Reality design. (Adi Robertson, 2016) The future virtual reality also shines bright for the sports industry not only is it a way better experience to watch on a VR device but Virtual reality can also assist in training in the future. “This helps football teams prepare players for games without requiring their excessive presence on the field, where they risk being injured and exposed to summer heat. Teams can thus increase practice time without breaking the stringent rules that both the NFL and NCAA (college football) place on outdoor practice”(Dickson, 2016). We also see a chance of new sports coming out of Virtual reality. Therefore, VR is having a big impact on the future of the sports industry. Traveling in a completely new way for people who cannot really do what they use to. “A startup called Rendever is working towards a future where the physical limitations many seniors face won’t prevent them from traveling – virtually. (CBS News, 2016)” At Brookdale Senior Living Community a group of men and woman were allowed to test out Rendever’s new technology.

Thanks to this technology, Virtual Reality will allow many to take trips and explore the world without leaving the comfort of the building. (CBS News, 2016) The future of Virtual reality will really assist the elderly and handicapped in so many ways to continue giving them the life experiences they want to experience. It is hard for people to explore places due mobility, income, and disabilities; Virtual reality is giving these kinds of people the opportunity to feel like they can do whatever they want. The education system has already started putting some VR into how students learn but in the future, it is believed that VR and AR will take over. Virtual reality is the future for education a big success is fieldtrips. Teachers can now create the perfect trip for their class without leaving their classrooms.

With just basic computer knowledge and a concise lesson plan, you will have the required resources for a Virtual trip of success.(Ivy, 2017) With this hands-on training, you can truly immerse your students in their work therefore making them more interested and have a better understanding. The newer generation connect with technology making this a huge improvement in the education system a big leap in the future. Virtual reality is the enhancement of the future we have all needed. “When you consider the inevitable improvements that are to come for this technology, as well as the still-growing library of content for VR, it’s safe to say that? after decades of attempts? virtual reality is no longer something only found between the pages of a science fiction novel” (Kumar, 2016). VR will bring entertainment to a completely new level with gaming, cinemas, sports, etc. While the future of education is going to allow students to be entirely immersed making information easier to grasp, and learning skills and trades at a younger age possible. Lastly, Virtual reality will provide enjoyment in the purest form with friends and family wherever you may be. Virtual reality has succeeded to enhance life because it exceeds the odds one never expects to meet.

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Virtual Reality: The Technology of the Future

Virtual reality (VR) is a technology that permits the user to maintain contact with a computer-simulated ambiance whether it is an actual or perceived one. Most of the contemporary virtual reality environments are fundamentally visual encounters, shown either on a computer screen or using particular or stereoscopic displays; however, some simulations encompass more sensory input like sound using speakers or headphones. Some improved versions include tactile feedback, recognized as force feedback. It is true in medical and gaming matters. Subscribers can interact with virtual mediums either using standard input tools or by multimodal devices.

The simulated environment may be just as it is the actual world or it may be at variance with reality. Pragmatically speaking, it is impossible to make a high fidelity virtual reality experience, overwhelmingly due to technical restrictions. It is being hoped that these shortcomings would be eventually fixed as processors; imaging and data communication sciences become more refined and less costly. There are unlimited uses of virtual technology.

The advantages of virtual reality are of diverse types and wide-ranging and engulf everything from games to assist in indoctrinating doctors the expertise of surgery or making pilots aware of the skill of flying aircraft safely. It can be exploited for traffic management, medicine, entertainment, workplace, and industrial layouts. However, along with the credit side, the debit side must also be mentioned which includes its use for the destructive objectives. It can easily be employed in the world of crime and the actual state of war.

The notion of virtual reality first came to the fore in the 30s, when scientists generated the first flight simulator for the preparation of pilots. They aspired to position the pilot in the actual; condition before he or she was capable of flying. Virtual reality has a bundle of positive implications. It provides the crippled people with the ability to do the works which otherwise could not be undertaken by them.

In the virtual world, people in wheelchairs have the maneuverability of freedom that is not found in the real world. “VR models of buildings can be used for several purposes; document management, interior design option analyses by end users, operations planning, evacuation simulations etc. Construction practitioners expect rather widely that vr model can be the user interface to complex data and models in near future. For example by pointing a particular object in the building model the user can obtain all documentation relevant to that object. This feature means that in the nearby future the instructions for service and use can take full advantage of virtual reality technology”. (Timothy Leary, Linda Leary, 2007).

Though currently, the technology is not accessible to every person due to the price factor, however, as has been the fate of every technology, it will evolve with time and its price will come within the range of all people. It is expected to enter the homes of everybody as limelight helmets and supercomputers are developed. Virtual reality has so many implications in the realm of all shapes of architecture and industrial layouts.

Computer-aided design has been a significant device since the middle of the 70s, as it permits the user to have three-dimensional images on the screen of the computer. However, till the time of having the VR helmet and glove to initiative the images onto, it would not be possible to be absorbed in the virtual world. Virtual reality has given a phenomenal uplift in the aviation business as it prevents the requirement to have many diverse prototypes.

Each time, an engineer thinks of fresh aircraft or helicopter a model has to be coined to guarantee that it works whether it will fly efficiently and it is beneficial for the personnel and the passengers. If the model is wrong, the designer has to return to the drawing, alter it and then have another one. This is a very costly and time taking process. By employing, virtual technology, designers can draw, construct and evaluate their aircraft in a virtual ambiance without having real aircraft. It also facilitates the designers to employ different ideas. All the details can be viewed in detail and they can pick up the most feasible one. NASA has exploited virtual reality to have a helicopter and Boeing has employed it to design their innovative aircraft.

By the use of virtual reality, doctors have access to the inside of the human body.

Doctors have even been able to make their way into the thorax and to ensure that radiation beams required to deal with the cancer were in the actual position. “Application of these technologies are being developed for health care in the following area: surgical procedures (remote surgery or telepresence, augmented or enhanced surgery; medical therapy; preventive medicine and patient education; medical education and training; visualization of the massive medical database; skill enhancement and rehabilitation; and architectural design for health care facilities” to date, such applications have improved the quality of health care and in future, they will result in substantial costs savings. Tools that respond to the needs of present virtual environment systems are being refined or developed.

However, additional large scale research is necessary for the following areas; user studies use of robots for telepresence procedures, enhanced system reality, and improved system functionality” (Giuseppe Riva, 1997).

Doctors will in the immediate future be capable of investigating and studying tumors very well and in three dimensions rather than from scans and X-rays. In America, an assassin who was killed on an electronic chair gave his body to science. His corpse was torn into small pieces and was exploited for the objective of using the virtual body for research. It is also hoped that in near future, students will be capable to instruct virtual bodies rather than real patients that would assist in overcoming so many medical problems.

On the minute level, it is being exploited in drug research. Scientists have remained successful in the making of molecules, envision and ‘feel’ how they interact with each other. Before the use of this technology, it was extremely slow and intricate.

Therefore there is a strong probability that virtual reality will influence the pace with which innovative drugs and cures are being coined and facilitate treatment in the future as far as their actualization in real life is concerned. “On a microscopic level, virtual reality is being used in drug research. Scientists at the University of North Carolina are able to create the molecules and then visualize and ‘feel’ how they react with each other. Before the use of virtual reality, this process was very slow and complicated. Therefore, it is likely that virtual reality will have a strong impact on the speed with which new drugs and remedies are developed and become available in the future” (Thinkquest, 2004).

Virtual reality is significant in that it has the potential to envision the unseen or the elusive which in other words is called unpredictable. This would lead to virtual reality executing the repairs in space with the assistance of a robot. In a technique, virtual puppetry a robot is managed by an expert operator and imitates all the movements of the operator.

The options for virtual technology are huge. Future inhabitants of the new towns will be capable of walking in the virtual streets, shops, and other places before even they have been built. There are hopes that big capital cities of the western world will be redesigned while exploiting this technology. Although virtual technology is still at the embryonic stage, its roots can be traced back to the invention of supercomputers.

Though the entertainment industry is renowned for the use of virtual technology, several other industries also exploit the same technology on a much bigger scale. Modern-day meteorologists use this technology to prophesize the weather conditions and help people hailing from different industries for the betterment of their outputs. Now the weather is being predicted in a way that was never available before, more and more precisions have resulted after the use of this legendary technology. The technology helps in foretelling the early warning for severe weather conditions.

Diverse intricate situations have been simulated. One of the biggest single simulations in use in the present times is that of the universe. Scientists are making their utmost endeavors to gauge the formulation of the universe. Chemical and molecular prototyping is being done with the assistance of virtual technology. More efficient car engines can be made with the help of this miraculous technology. The processes by which proteins interact with each other are being unearthed by biologists only after the employment of this technology.

The realm which is expected to benefit most from this technology in education. With the accession of computers, simple lessons can easily be delivered by the computers. More established topics were impossible owing to the incapacity of facilitating face-to-face experience. Currently, driving simulators are being used for the preparation of the drivers for driving automobiles. Many difficult academic subjects can be taught now and it is possible because of virtual technology.

The crippled people can co-exist with their environment. The motorized wheelchairs are being used in a better way by the paralyzed children after being versed with this usage of this technology. The children make progress as they accumulate skills with the aid of the virtual worlds. The kid faces great resistance in crossing the street exploiting the pedestrian signals and thus saving him or herself in the traffic. Completion of each world makes the child aware of the expertise and arms them with the contentment and confidence which they need the most.

The medical industry has substantially benefited from virtual technology. Doctors are employing it to the appropriate cure of some of the most intricate diseases. “They can study images of a cancer patient’s body structure to plan an effective radiation therapy technique. Doctors also commonly use surgical modeling to learn how an organ responds to a given surgical instrument. This allows doctors to master surgical procedures without having to endanger anyone by learning on-the-job.

Some doctors even use virtual reality to cure patients of certain phobias. For example, people with acrophobia (the fear of heights) are often treated with virtual reality. The patient is subjected to a virtual world that exercises their fear. In the acrophobia example, they could be looking over the side of a cliff in their simulation. The patient is usually able to overcome their fear due to the fact that they know the situation is only computer simulated and can not actually harm them” (Keith Mitchell, 1996).

Another domain in which it is getting appreciation is the Internet. Virtual reality can be made available to reinforce its interface to convert it into an actual ‘cyberspace’. The web revolution will be able to sustain its radicalism by multiplying the ability to add three-dimensional interactive graphics. This could be made practical only after the development of VRML. It is combined with java that permits the whole interactive world to be made from a single web page. It helps people to be interacting with others even from far-off places in the virtual world from the central website.

Though the fundamental parts of the technology have been present for two decades back, they were not combined and used with great intensity until recently. Currently, the use of this technology is in the expansionist mode. From scientific research to video games and the internet, everyone appears to have recourse to it. It is one of few genres of technologies that are limited by imagination. The variety of applications in different domains has immense promises and the future of virtual technology seems to be very bright.

Along with the aspirations, virtual technology has been attacked for being an inept method for spearheading nongeographical knowledge. Currently, the conception of ubiquitous computing is very renowned in user interface design and this may be considered as a reaction against virtual reality and its encumbrances. In actual practice, these two forms of interfaces have different objectives and are mutually reinforcing. The end of ubiquitous computing is to induct the computer in the world of the computer rather than impose on the user for entering the world of computer inside. The contemporary inclination in virtual reality is to combine the two user interfaces to generate an immersive and combined experience.

Giuseppe Riva (1997), Virtual Reality in Neuro-Psycho-Physiology. IOS Press. Page, 3.

Timothy Leary, Linda Leary (2007), Computing Essentials. Career Education.

Mitchell (1996), “ Virtual Reality ”. UNIX-guru. Web.

Thinkquest (2004), “virtual relaity”. Web.

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How Virtual Reality Technology Has Changed Our Lives: An Overview of the Current and Potential Applications and Limitations

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Despite virtual reality (VR) being initially marketed toward gaming, there are many potential and existing VR applications in various sectors and fields, including education, training, simulations, and even in exercise and healthcare. Unfortunately, there is still a lack of general understanding of the strengths and limitations of VR as a technology in various application domains. Therefore, the aim of this literature review is to contribute to the library of literature concerning VR technology, its applications in everyday use, and some of its existing drawbacks. Key VR applications were discussed in terms of how they are currently utilized or can be utilized in the future, spanning fields such as medicine, engineering, education, and entertainment. The main benefits of VR are expressed through the text, followed by a discussion of some of the main limitations of current VR technologies and how they can be mitigated or improved. Overall, this literature review shows how virtual reality technology has the potential to be a greatly beneficial tool in a multitude of applications and a wide variety of fields. VR as a technology is still in its early stages, but more people are becoming interested in it and are optimistic about seeing what kind of changes VR can make in their everyday lives. With how rapidly modern society has adapted to personal computers and smartphones, VR has the opportunity to become the next big technological turning point that will eventually become commonplace in most households.

1. Introduction

This literature review aims to contribute to the library of literature on the applications of virtual reality (VR), how they are currently used and can be used in the future, and some of the strengths and difficulties that come with using VR.

Virtual reality (VR) refers to a computer-generated, three-dimensional virtual environment that users can interact with, typically accessed via a computer that is capable of projecting 3D information via a display, which can be isolated screens or a wearable display, e.g., a head-mounted display (HMD), along with user identification sensors [ 1 ]. VR can mainly be divided into two categories: non-immersive, and immersive [ 2 ]. Non-immersive VR utilizes a combination of screens surrounding the user to present virtual information [ 3 ]. A typical example of this is driving or flight simulations in which the user sits in a chair with multiple screens around them, giving them the feeling of being in the cockpit or driver’s seat without being fully immersed. Immersive VR refers to using a wearable display, e.g., HMD, to track a user’s movement and present the VR information based on the position of users [ 4 ], which allows them to experience 360 degrees of the virtual environment. This immersive experience is what most people think of when it comes to VR and is one of the most marketable aspects of VR technology. In between immersive and non-immersive VR, there is also augmented reality (AR). AR makes use of computer-generated imagery that is overlayed on physical elements in the real world, which can be found in many applications, such as stores providing a virtual fitting application for people to “try on” clothes. Mixed reality (XR) represents the spectrum between the physical and digital worlds, combining AR and VR to allow users to both immerse themselves in a virtual world while also being somewhat grounded in reality.

The concept of VR was first introduced in the 1960s, with Morton’s creation of the Telesphere Mask and the Sensorama [ 5 ]. The original technologies served the purpose of immersing the user in the video display around them, making them feel like they are a part of the video. The Ultimate display was an idea developed by Ivan Sutherland [ 6 ], operating on a similar concept of allowing the user to feel immersed in a computer-generated environment using multiple input and output devices [ 7 , 8 ]. Following the creation of the Sensorama and the idea of the Ultimate display in the 1960s, the next large boom in VR technology development occurred in the early 2010s. During this period of time, VR was still considered a gimmick—it was expensive and was not considered a technology that would ever become popular with the general public. This, however, started to shift in 2012, when Palmer Luckey debuted his prototype for the first Oculus [ 9 ]. In 2014, Facebook acquired Oculus after seeing the interest it garnered, leading to a significant increase in the popularity of VR devices for home use. Since then, VR has grown to become more popular and accessible to the everyday consumer, with more VR headsets available on the market, such as the HTC Vive, Samsung VR, Oculus, Google Cardboard, and more.

Despite VR being initially marketed toward gaming, there are many potential and existing VR applications in various sectors and fields, including education, training, simulations, and even in exercise and healthcare. Unfortunately, there is still a lack of general understanding of the strengths and limitations of VR as a technology in various application domains. Some of the largest issues with current VR technology are hard to overcome and can span from technical to financial and health issues. Technological limitations regarding users feeling uncomfortable or ill while using a VR headset, the inaccessibility of this technology to most people due to the high price of the associated hardware, and the lack of technical standardization are all current issues that the tech industry is hoping to overcome with research and future improvements.

Overall, this literature review serves the purpose of covering how different types of VR applications can be utilized, as well as providing information on the advantages and drawbacks of using VR technology in various application domains.

In order to present a reliable literature review, an extensive search was performed using common journal search engines/websites, e.g., Google Scholar, JSTOR, MDPI, ResearchGate, PubMed, and Science Direct, which includes peer-reviewed studies and articles. Keywords and phrases used in searching for sources include a combination of “VR” or “virtual reality” with “Education”, “Simulation,” “Games”, “Virtual”, “Immersive”, “Non-immersive”, “Training”, “Application”, “Manufacturing”, “Industrial”, “Medical”, “Healthcare”, and “Entertainment”. The variety in keywords helped yield different results for VR not only as a technology but also in major use cases where it has already been utilized for different industries and fields. The gathered papers and articles were then reviewed to further select representative and up-to-date evidence.

Papers were selected with the goal of providing sufficient coverage of the topic by presenting an overarching summary rather than an exhaustive review of every type of application within VR. Having a large variety of papers does not guarantee that every particular use case of VR is covered, but it does provide a wide breadth of use cases of VR that are currently applied, as well as opportunity spaces for VR applications in the future. As shown in Figure 1 , 145 papers were initially collected, but only 77 were thoroughly reviewed to provide enough coverage without unnecessary advanced technical details. Five additional papers and articles were added after review to accommodate additional information, resulting in a total of 82 sources used for the final literature review.

General structure of the paper selection and literature review.

Included papers were those that clearly presented a specific VR application, those that showed clear negative or positive outcomes of VR usage, or papers that provided relevant background information on a specific VR technology. Exclusion criteria included disregarding papers that had an overt focus on VR hardware components, excluding studies that may have mentioned VR without it being the focus, and rejecting papers that became repetitive after utilizing other papers on similar topics. The following sections provide detailed reviews based on various VR applications and domains.

3. Reviews of VR Technology Applications

The technological applications of VR have advanced to a point where they can be applied to an extensive range of fields and industries outside of just gaming or entertainment. Many have started to take advantage of VR in performing tasks that are hard to practice due to limited resources or the inherent risks and dangers associated with said tasks that can sometimes lead to catastrophic consequences. The greatest strength of VR is that it opens up opportunities for people to practice these tasks in a safe capacity while also being immersed enough for it to feel realistic and transferable to the real world and depict almost any situation accurately [ 10 ]. This section covers some of the main categories of VR applications and provides examples of how these applications are applied or can be applied to different use cases across various fields.

One of the most widely used and largely applicable applications of VR is the simulation aspect, which can be uniquely created and customized to suit users’ needs. There are two main types of simulations: immersive and non-immersive. As mentioned above, non-immersive VR simulations usually include multiple screens and some type of platform or apparatus that mimics the activities or tasks in reality [ 3 ]. Immersive VR simulations differ in terms of using HMDs in place of screens and can either utilize a control platform or apparatus such as the ones used in non-immersive simulations [ 11 ] or can instead be fully contained within a virtual setup and require no external setups or platforms. Whether users opt for immersive or non-immersive VR simulations, there is no significant difference in the performance, and the results appear to be very similar in fulfilling the simulation’s purpose [ 12 ]. There is, however, a slight advantage to using immersive VR simulations with HMDs, as they are capable of fully immersing the user in the simulated environment and giving them a more thorough experience [ 13 ].

3.1. Industrial Simulation Applications

VR simulations have many applications that can span from training simulation to prototyping, designing, and testing tools and objects. Some commonly used VR simulations in the industrial domain include driving simulators, flight simulators for pilots, and combat simulators for military personnel, all of which provide training to users in highly dangerous circumstances without putting them at risk during the training process [ 14 ]. Among the many use cases, two typical simulation applications are further discussed in the following sections.

3.1.1. Driving Simulations

One major use of VR simulations is driving simulations for both driving training and within the automotive industry; VR provides the ability to create driving simulations in which users can be placed in risky driving scenarios without real danger [ 15 ]. Driving simulators can be useful in multiple capacities, such as observing driving behavior to collect data or training inexperienced drivers in a low-stress environment.

VR driving simulations can be used to train young or novice drivers and help them understand their mistakes or point out some bad driving habits they need to adjust. Within a simulation, drivers can be placed in a virtual vehicle within an environment resembling a cityscape, with their behaviors and actions observed and recorded to later analyze for any issues or mistakes or to see if the drivers made the correct decisions in a given scenario [ 16 ]. After conducting the simulation, drivers can be informed of their mistakes and receive feedback about how to improve their behaviors in an actual driving situation. These driving simulations can also be beneficial in training young drivers with neurodevelopmental disorders such as autism spectrum disorder (ASD) [ 17 ], who may otherwise have difficulties learning in an uncontrolled environment.

Another application of VR driving simulations is the ability to collect real-time data on how users react to different scenarios as drivers on the road in a simulated environment. This data can be used in multiple capacities, such as designing better safety features in a vehicle, providing a better user experience for drivers, developing training modules for drivers, and for use in autonomous vehicle (AV) research and development. AVs have been an emerging field of technology that will continue to develop and advance, with VR simulations continuously providing opportunities for safe and efficient data collection and user testing [ 18 ]. One common issue in the field is developing trust between users and autonomous vehicles and understanding how to mitigate the distrust most people have in this technology [ 19 ]. It is important to ensure users have a certain level of trust in an AV so as to ensure drivers take over when appropriate. Accordingly, putting users in a VR driving simulation in which they interact with an autonomous vehicle virtually can yield substantial amounts of data on how users behave within that environment while also ensuring that users feel safe in the process and can become accustomed to being in an AV [ 20 ].

3.1.2. Product Design and Prototyping

One application of VR that can be useful is the ability to look at 3D models in a virtual space in a way that is difficult to visualize via a screen. Prototypes or preliminary designs for products can be modeled and shown in a virtual environment for test and evaluation purposes [ 21 ]. One significant advantage of showing these models in VR is presenting a virtual prototype or part without spending a lot of time, money, effort, or material on building the prototype in real life. Through simulations, VR can also show how the product would react under different conditions. Simulations can be run in VR to show the effect of different interactions between the prototype and surrounding subjects [ 22 ]. This can help the prototype designers determine if any areas of the prototype need to be improved based on the simulated interaction results. The ability to see the product in a virtual environment can also provide the ability to make changes to VR design for a quick turnaround and faster results, which could increase the speed of prototyping, reduce prototype production waste, and increase the understanding of the functions of the prototype.

3.2. Education

Educational applications of VR have not been utilized much yet, but there are many promising examples and studies of how beneficial VR can be in an educational environment. Using VR can help increase student attention by keeping them engaged with what is happening inside the VR environment [ 23 , 24 ]. Most teenage students find it challenging to pay attention in class, especially when they feel that the discussed topics are not relevant to them. When students use exciting technologies such as VR, they are more interested and engaged with what they are learning while immersed in a virtual environment [ 25 , 26 ]. VR headsets are also useful in blocking out visual and auditory distractions, creating an opportunity for the student to focus on teaching materials better. Such VR approaches open up more opportunities for teachers to interact one-on-one with students and have more useful and beneficial teacher–student interactions [ 27 ].

VR also provides the opportunity for students to construct and practice their own knowledge by being able to engage in meaningful experiences. Students are able to immersively engage in educational activities and gain a better understanding of the topic at hand [ 28 ]. VR also has the capability of transporting students to different environments, allowing them to learn and explore various concepts safely and efficiently. This can be especially useful to demonstrate environments that are impossible to visit in reality, such as underwater or space [ 29 , 30 ].

Mixed reality can be considered an extended VR application, which can be applied to real learning environments, such as exploring laboratory experiments [ 31 ]. Students can wear an HMD that shows information and instructions about the laboratory they will experience and can interact with items in reality to recreate what is simulated to them in VR. Essentially, students are still fully aware of their surroundings while also having a better visual understanding and representation of their task, which can help reduce mistakes, allow students to be more independent, and keep students interested and engaged.

With the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, there has been a sudden increase in virtual learning, with many classes being held via online meeting platforms and others being fully asynchronous. VR offers a new, unique approach to asynchronous learning; VR can create a learning environment in which a student can participate in lectures and ask questions to virtual instructors with pre-generated answers [ 32 ]. It is particularly important for students to feel immersed in the virtual environment in order to keep them engaged [ 33 ]. Virtual environments can be created to look just like real-life classrooms where students can walk around and work with other students on assignments [ 34 ]. The issue with asynchronous classroom experiences is that not all of a student’s questions will necessarily be answered; information will be limited to what is currently updated within the virtual experience. Thus, VR-based virtual education does provide a better experience to students than watching videos online, but it cannot replace the experience of being in a classroom with teachers who can directly engage with students.

With VR technology further advancing, VR could also be used for live, synchronous classes where students can engage with classmates and teachers from the comfort of their homes in real time. This would have been especially beneficial when schools were closed due to the pandemic, but it can also provide a way for students to attend classes while experiencing health difficulties, traveling, or living in other countries, etc. Even though live classes have not yet really been held using VR, such applications can be developed in the future, especially with some of the current development being made in both asynchronous learning and social interaction.

3.3. Public Health

Another domain in which VR has been utilized is within public health and wellness. Due to the immersive nature of VR, it can be used to simulate experiences that can directly impact people’s health. Some examples include providing immersive training simulations to medical personnel, offering a new method of exercise or meditation, and presenting therapists with opportunities to better help and understand their patients.

3.3.1. Medical Training

VR simulations provide the opportunity for medical professionals to practice procedures before operating on a patient, which has proven to help provide patients with better outcomes more consistently and reduce the incidence of mistakes. Preparation and practice in VR help improve patient outcomes because medical personnel are better prepared for each patient’s unique circumstances before operating [ 35 , 36 ].

In terms of learning how to perform procedures, medical students can train in an interactive virtual environment that can be programmed with different scenarios, which allows a student to experience real-life scenarios with virtual patients [ 37 ]. The virtual environment can be programmed in a multitude of diverse ways so the student can be prepared and better accustomed to different types of scenarios they may face with future patients. The simulation can be programmed so that a video can be played, showing how to effectively use a tool or object when the user looks at it [ 38 ]. The simulation can also provide hints or step-by-step instructions to students so they know how to perform the surgery properly. All these practices are much more hands-on than reading a textbook and more realistic than practicing on mannequins with minimal risks to a real patient, which makes VR a perfect tool to assist student learning.

Medical students are not the only ones who can benefit from VR simulations; seasoned medical professionals and surgeons can also benefit from this technology. Patient-specific virtual reality simulations (PSVR) are a technology that allows doctors to practice actual upcoming operations in VR [ 39 ]. This technology allows surgeons to practice customized procedures to match their patients’ specific needs and circumstances. A patient’s medical history and physical attributes can be created in the simulation and programmed with the most likely outcomes. When a surgeon performs a task or action in the simulation, the appropriate or most likely reaction can be programmed to simulate what would occur in real life under the same circumstance. This provides an opportunity for surgeons to plan out their surgery beforehand in a virtual environment, allowing them to be better prepared and more confident in their plan for the surgery ahead [ 40 ].

3.3.2. Exergaming, Fitness and Sports

With the initial focus of VR being on gaming, developers saw an opportunity for the emergence of a genre of games called exergames, in which users participate in physical activities to achieve the goals of the game. “The core concept of exergaming rests on the idea of using vigorous body activity as the input for interacting with engaging digital game content with the hope of supplanting the sedentary activity that typifies traditional game interaction that relies on keyboards, gamepads, and joysticks” [ 41 ]. VR games tend to fall under the category of exergames by requiring the user to stand up and move around in order to interact with the environment. Games such as Beat Saber (Beat Games, Prague, Czech Republic) make the user move around frequently to fulfill the game’s requirements.

Using VR as a workout tool helps gamify exercise, which can greatly assist users in staying motivated and engaged by providing them with goals to achieve during their workout. A study performed by Segura-Orti on dialysis patients shows that patients that used VR exercises instead of conventional physical activities had an increased level of physical activity compared to those who worked out using conventional methods [ 42 , 43 ]. This is probably due to the more enjoyable experience of getting exercise in game form that real life has failed to achieve with exercise apps and challenges. Some current examples include the implementation of treadmills and stationary bicycles with VR applications that allow users to physically run/cycle in place while virtually traveling through a virtual environment. These types of immersive experiences can make users’ workouts more enjoyable and can help encourage those new to fitness to start exercising from home in a new and exciting fashion.

VR technology is also being utilized in sports, where it is used to train athletes to improve their skills and can help provide them with physical therapy and rehabilitation. In terms of athletic training, VR presents a great method of perceptual-cognitive skills training [ 44 ], where users are able to experience and learn from video-based playback in an immersive environment rather than on a screen. This can be especially useful in customizing training for players in large team sports, such as football, basketball, or soccer [ 45 ]. VR allows individuals to repeatedly practice skills with lower risks of harm, which helps reduce injury. When injuries do occur in the real world, VR can be used in the rehabilitation process by allowing athletes to train from anywhere and at any time, even in the absence of a trainer or facility.

3.3.3. Therapy and Meditation

Another use of VR is in mental health therapy and meditation. The immersive nature of VR provides the flexibility to create various types of environments or experiences. Accordingly, VR can be used to experience situations that are hard to come by in real life, or that can be dangerous to go through in real life. For example, for those who suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), VR can be a way to experience situations that can trigger traumatic events within a safe, controlled capacity. Specific scenarios can be recreated in a virtual environment, and the patient can experience them in the presence of a therapist in order to receive help dealing with their trauma [ 46 ]. This type of therapy is similar to exposure therapy, in which patients confront what triggers them in order to slowly heal from their trauma [ 47 ].

For people who have certain disorders that may be hard to explain with words, VR can be a safe way to put people in scenarios that may trigger their disorders and observe their behaviors. Allowing a therapist to observe the situation can give them a better insight into why their patient is reacting in a certain way, which will allow them to better treat their patient [ 48 ].

Another application of VR is to use the immersive nature of the technology for meditation purposes. With the ability to experience a calm virtual environment that fully blocks distractions, VR presents a unique form of meditation that may be otherwise difficult to achieve at home. Studies on the use of VR in meditation have shown a slight increase in positive effects and a state of mindfulness in users after the meditation experience [ 49 ]. One study showed that VR meditation was more successful in reducing pre-exam anxiety in college students than watching a meditation video, where 71% of those using VR reported lower anxiety levels compared to 47% of the control group [ 50 ]. VR mediation has been shown to be useful in calming healthcare workers, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. Virtual reality plus neurofeedback (VR + NF) meditation was shown to decrease the user’s anger, tension, depression, vigor, fatigue, and confusion [ 51 ]. Navarro-Haro et al. experienced an immersive VR mediation simulation and reported an increase in mindfulness and a reduction in negative emotional stress [ 52 ]. They were also less sad and less angry after the simulation. Mediation experts acknowledge that meditation with VR can be an immensely helpful and unique experience that is not yet fully utilized, and studies such as the one discussed here show promising results for this use of VR.

3.4. Social Interaction

VR provides the ability to transport users to a virtual environment in which they can interact with other users. This provides an opportunity to create social connections that may otherwise be hard to create or maintain. Social interaction via VR can be especially helpful for those with autism, as it provides a way for them to practice their communication skills. Users are able to participate in virtual cognition training to better improve their social skills, such as emotion recognition, social attribution, and analogical reasoning [ 53 ]. There are even programs in which young adults with high-functioning autism can participate that are designed with the purpose of increasing their social skills. These programs train users to better recognize facial expressions, body language, and emotions from a person’s voice [ 54 ]. These programs have lasting effects on the users, as they gain the ability to recognize other people’s emotions within the training that they can carry forward in their lives.

Social virtual reality also provides a new way for people to connect over long distances. Virtual spaces can be created in a VR environment and allow users to interact with each other in a realistic setting; users can have realistic avatars and talk to each other as if they were face-to-face [ 55 ]. This method of communication can be as effective as talking to another person in real life as long as the users feel immersed in the environment. When the users are immersed in the virtual environment, they have a better sense of presence, and their responses are more genuine [ 56 ]. This was especially popular during the COVID-19 pandemic when social distancing and travel restrictions made it much harder for people to see and speak with their loved ones [ 57 ]. Being able to attend events and experience activities with others via VR has provided a substitute for real-life interactions that is more realistic than merely speaking over the phone or via video chat [ 58 ].

3.5. Entertainment

The most prominent application of VR among the general public is within the sphere of entertainment, with VR offering new ways for users to experience several types of media in an immersive capacity.

One such form of media consumption within VR is watching movies, shows, or videos. VR offers new ways for users to experience visual media due to its ability to immerse users in a virtual world. VR displays are able to play 360° videos and allow the users to move around in the virtual environment, which provides the user with a more immersive experience and allows them to interact with the world as they see fit [ 59 ]. Users now have more control over what they want to pay attention to in a video and can experience videos in a whole new way.

Another application is virtual travel and tourism. Virtual tourism allows users to experience immersive tourism in simulated environments based on real landscapes or locations. This can make travel attainable to many people that would otherwise not be able to afford the time or money needed to physically visit faraway destinations. Examples of VR tourism include virtual museum visits, navigating areas using applications such as Google Street View, and virtual tours of popular destinations such as the Grand Canyon or the Great Wall of China. The concept of virtually visiting other countries or worlds has existed since the 90s [ 60 ], but there was a boost in interest recently due to travel constraints during the COVID-19 pandemic [ 61 ], with more people seeking travel experiences from the confines of their homes.

Live music is another form of entertainment that seems to be gaining traction as another large application of VR. Virtual reality has the ability to change the way people experience concerts, offering users the ability to attend and enjoy concerts from anywhere in the world. Prerecorded concerts are already available as a VR experience, with videos of the concerts filmed in 360 using omnidirectional cameras, allowing users to move their heads around and feel like they are physically present at the concert [ 62 ]. This can be an opportunity for users who do not have the ability to travel or could not get tickets to still enjoy the show. This will also allow users to see parts of the concert they could not see even if they were there due to cameras either being positioned on stage or close to the stage. The livestreaming of concerts in VR is still not technologically applicable, but it seems like the music industry is aiming to make it a reality at some point in the future with further VR development. As part of the most significant applications of VR, gaming has gained huge popularity recently, with headsets becoming more accessible and game developers investing more in the VR landscape. Many users have purchased VR headsets to play popular games such as Beat Saber , Super-Hot , and Job Simulator (Menlo Park, Prague, Czech Republic), some of the top-selling VR games. Besides designated VR games, many other games that were not initially made for VR are also being developed to include this capability and expand the options gamers have concerning their in-game experience. The rise of VR gaming popularity in recent years owes to the immersive capabilities of HMDs to immerse the users in the game environment, blocking out all external distractions [ 63 ] and giving the users a better sense of presence [ 64 ]. Players can experience the game from their point of view, which allows users to experience games in a whole new way [ 65 ].

4. Limitations and Side Effects of VR

Despite VR being a powerful and versatile tool, current VR technology has some evident limitations and drawbacks. These limitations include technological limits on what VR can do, how accessible VR is to the general public, and some of the side effects of using VR devices.

4.1. Technological Limitations

As a technology still in the earlier stages of development on a grand scale, VR has made significant leaps in evolution. Still, more substantial progress must occur before VR can be fully utilized in all possible applications and purposes.

Right now, the standardization of VR technology and presentation is still limited [ 66 ]; every developer may have their own interface specifications and functionality associated with their technology, and applications are not easily transferable between devices. The only standardization that can be observed as of now tends to be with popular games that are developed to be used across different VR platforms. It is also hard to troubleshoot bugs and receive proper support for any issues due to the lack of standardization. Hopefully, with time and progress in VR development, the technology can become more streamlined and provide better usability for users and transferability between devices. There are currently efforts to standardize VR, but these efforts are new, and the process is still in its infancy [ 67 ].

Other issues include hardware and software requirements for professional VR development, as most VR development software tends to take up a lot of data space on computers and have high-power consumption [ 68 ]. VR headsets also tend to be very heavy and can cause physical strain on users, causing headaches and pain, especially around the neck and shoulders [ 69 ]. As of now, it is not yet known what kind of detrimental effects VR use will have on users’ eyesight, but it is known that it can cause strain, especially with prolonged usage [ 70 ].

Another common issue is the lag between the user’s movements and the visual display within a VR headset [ 71 ]. A lot of the time, the headset’s tracking does not keep up properly with the user’s movements, which not only decreases their immersion but can also cause dizziness or “cybersickness,” which is explained in more detail below [ 71 , 72 ].

Cybersickness

One of the crucial issues with VR usage is VR-induced motion sickness, or “cybersickness” [ 73 , 74 ]. Cybersickness is a phenomenon where users will feel symptoms similar to motion sickness (i.e., nausea, dizziness, lightheadedness) as a result of using a VR device [ 71 ]. It is not yet known exactly why this occurs, but there are a few theories to explain this phenomenon. The most likely theory is known as the “sensory conflict theory,” which states that the excessive mismatch between the motion a user perceives visually and the lack of the corresponding movement in their body causes a conflict [ 71 , 72 , 75 ]. This happens when there is a disparity between the user’s visual system and vestibular system, which is the sensory system responsible for providing the brain with information about motion, head position, and spatial orientation [ 76 ]. Another explanation for cybersickness is the “ecological hypothesis”, which states that when people are not able to perceive or react to new dynamic situations, postural instability occurs [ 77 ].

Cybersickness does not always come with virtual experiences, but the issue can be exacerbated by several factors. Some individual factors include prolonged VR exposure; the user’s predisposition to motion sickness, fatigue, or nausea; and how adapted a user is to VR applications [ 71 , 78 ]. Cybersickness symptoms also seem to be less frequent when users are sitting instead of standing. Symptoms tend to worsen when a user is experiencing a high-speed simulation or game. Being a passive participant makes users more susceptible to symptoms than when they are in control of the simulation [ 71 , 79 , 80 ].

There are also some technical factors that can increase the likelihood of cybersickness occurring. These issues include noticeable lags (delays in the visual display can cause symptoms), position tracking errors (better head tracking reduces symptoms), and flicker in the visual display [ 71 , 72 ].

Cybersickness is one of the most uncomfortable issues that comes with VR usage, and if users continue to experience these uncomfortable symptoms, this can present a huge hindrance to the widespread development and utilization of VR applications [ 72 , 77 ].

4.2. Accessibility

As VR technology evolves, it is becoming more accessible, especially compared to its earlier stages. The cost of VR headsets on the market is still higher than most people can afford, but their current pricing is on par with most gaming consoles. Headsets such as Oculus Quest 2 cost about $300 for the base model and can be fully operated without the need for a computer, making it one of the more accessible headsets on the market. Most other headsets require using a computer that is “VR-ready”, meaning a high-end computer with a powerful graphics card that can manage VR applications. VR-ready computers tend to be more expensive than most computers, making this type of VR headset more expensive overall and out of reach for most people. This makes cost one of the larger barriers for people to get into VR as regular consumers, which is a hindrance to the growth of VR as a household technology.

VR as a field also includes augmented reality (AR) and mixed reality (XR), which are less immersive forms of virtual experiences where users still operate in the real world with a virtual overlay. AR and XR applications are more accessible to people due to their development for use on mobile devices, which are much more common with most people owning or having access to one. A common example of this type of application is AR games such as the popular Pokémon Go , which combines using a smartphone with a physical exploration of the real world [ 81 ] in search of “Pokémon” around them that can only be observed via their phones. Distances are tracked based on a user’s steps, and users can connect fitness apps to the game in order to increase rewards gained from crossing long distances. These types of games and applications can encourage people to be more physically active by gamifying the walking experience [ 82 ]. Similar smartphone games and applications can be a more accessible entry point for people interested in VR but who lack the funds to invest in an immersive headset and computer setup.

5. Conclusions

This literature review has shown how virtual reality technology has the potential to be a greatly beneficial tool in a multitude of applications and a wide variety of fields. Current applications span different domains such as engineering, education, medicine, and entertainment. With VR technology gaining popularity and traction, more VR applications can be further utilized in the future, both in improving current use cases as well as expanding to more domains. The hope is that with more VR technological breakthroughs and development, the current limitations and issues can be overcome, making long-term VR usage more realistic and accessible to more people.

Overall, VR as a technology is still in its early stages, but more people are becoming interested in it and are optimistic about seeing what kind of changes VR can make in their everyday lives. However, more and more application scenarios are under development by experts from different fields, which allows for more specific applications and development. With how rapidly modern society has adapted to personal computers and smartphones, VR has the opportunity to become the next big technological turning point that will eventually become commonplace in most households.

Funding Statement

This research received no external funding.

Author Contributions

Conceptualization, A.H. and B.J. methodology, A.H. and B.J. validation, B.J.; formal analysis, A.H.; investigation, A.H.; resources, A.H.; data curation, A.H.; writing—original draft preparation, A.H.; writing—review and editing, B.J.; visualization, A.H.; supervision, B.J. All authors have read and agreed to the published version of the manuscript.

Institutional Review Board Statement

Not applicable.

Informed Consent Statement

Data availability statement, conflicts of interest.

The authors declare no conflict of interest.

Publisher’s Note: MDPI stays neutral with regard to jurisdictional claims in published maps and institutional affiliations.

AI and Film 2024 • FILM 485 • PROFESSOR GREGORY ZINMAN

A Promising Future with Virtual Reality

From watching The Matrix (1999) this week, I became interested in exploring virtual reality (VR) spaces and AI in our modern time today. There has been a lot of media coverage and research on VR and gaming for recreational use, but I wanted to find other sources where VR could actually be useful in a practical sense. Luckily, I came across this Ted Talk in which Kristen Tamm discusses the benefits of VR and AI in education. He explains how VR spaces can help students in the classroom gain more connections to real world applications. It can also positively impact student engagement where students feel more confident and motivated to learn. Tamm and his team have created a VR arcade company for children, and one of the games was created as a job simulator. It allowed individuals to choose a job and experience what it would feel like to work and be in the same environment. They noticed how players would try and perform certain acts to explore the possibilities of what could happen in that specific scenario or job position. For instance, if they were an office worker, some tried pouring coffee into a printer just to see and discover what could happen. From there, Tamm questioned if more learning games like the job simulator could be beneficial for educational purposes. So, he and other scientists decided to create VR learning experiences for major topics like physics and chemistry. Other VR learning programs have also included: lab trainings, field trips, and skill trainings. Tamm and his team have further created a ChatGPT chatbot for students who find themselves in trouble and need additional help while in VR. 

In learning about these VR programs, I think they are very beneficial for students as it allows for an immersive, hands-on experience with class material and the virtual world. As a student, I would have really appreciated this type of technology, especially when taking physics as it heavily involves applications. With a VR experience, it would have created a pathway for me to apply what I learned in class (i.e., physics formulas and problem sets) to real-world scenarios (i.e., examining the acceleration of a car). Thus, I would have felt more engaged with the class material and eager to learn more. Also, I think VR learning programs are beneficial because they create a trial and error model where students can experiment and discover many different scenarios in a virtual sense without experiencing any real-world consequences. Thus, students are free to make mistakes without any drawbacks along with the added benefit of receiving additional help from programs like ChatGPT. 

After watching The Matrix , I noticed how VR learning programs closely mimic the virtual experiences in the film. For instance, Tamm’s VR learning programs are reflective of Morpheus and Neo’s training programs, which are set inside a world they simulated apart from the matrix. In both scenarios, they all are receiving a sort of learning whether it involves chemistry or martial arts. Additionally, they both have the freedom to make errors without facing any major consequences. In Morpheus and Neo’s case, they can still survive and keep their mind and physical body intact. Another similarity that I noticed was how Tamm’s ChatGPT function could reflect “Tank” and his abilities to help the other characters in the film when they need help in the matrix. With a simple call, Tank could give them special abilities or get them out of the matrix. 

In essence, I really believe that VR and AI technologies can transform education and have a positive impact on student learning. It can foster better classroom engagement and create a better working environment for students. While I believe in its promise, I do question if it would become too reliable for teachers and their styles of teaching. Will they only use VR when giving students examples and activities for class material? Will there be other methods to involve engaging, fun real-world scenarios without relying too much on VR to generate those experiences? In these instances, I hope there will be a balance between VR and real world scenarios because I believe both are important in fostering an enriching environment where students can have access to all possibilities that would aid in their learning experience. 

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MINI REVIEW article

The impact of virtual reality on student engagement in the classroom–a critical review of the literature.

• 1 Faculty of Education, Silpakorn University, Nakhon Pathom, Thailand
• 2 Melbourne Graduate School of Education, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
• 3 Graduate Department, Xi’an Physical Education University, Xi’an, China
• 4 College of Commerce and Tourism, Hunan Vocational College for Nationalities, Yueyang, China
• 5 Graduate Department, Sehan University, Yeongam County, Republic of Korea

Objective: The purpose of this review is to identify the impact of virtual reality (VR) technology on student engagement, specifically cognitive engagement, behavioral engagement, and affective engagement.

Methods: A comprehensive search of databases such as Google, Scopus, and Elsevier was conducted to identify English-language articles related to VR and classroom engagement for the period from 2014 to 2023. After systematic screening, 33 articles were finally reviewed.

Results: The use of VR in the classroom is expected to improve student engagement and learning outcomes, and is particularly effective for students with learning disabilities. However, introducing VR into middle school education poses several challenges, including difficulties in the education system to keep up with VR developments, increased demands on students’ digital literacy, and insufficient proficiency of teachers in using VR.

Conclusion: To effectively utilize VR to increase student engagement, we advocate for educational policymakers to provide training and technical support to teachers to ensure that they can fully master and integrate VR to increase student engagement and instructional effectiveness.

Introduction

In recent years, virtual reality (VR) has emerged as a transformative technology in education, providing new avenues for immersive and interactive learning experiences ( Pottle, 2019 ). At its core, VR offers a departure from the tangible, allowing users to delve into an environment transcending conventional reality ( Brooks, 1999 ; Jeong et al., 2019 ). VR’s essence is captured in three pillars: presence, interactivity, and immersion ( Lee et al., 2017 ). Presence grants users access to previously unreachable 3D landscapes, facilitating a unique, experiential insight ( Poux et al., 2020 ). Interactivity kindles user curiosity, enabling dynamic engagements within the virtual milieu ( Steuer et al. 1995 ; Huvila, 2013 ; Song et al., 2023 ). Immersion pushes the boundaries of conventional experiences, reviving or manifesting phenomena outside the realm of everyday life ( Sanchez-Vives and Slater, 2005 ; Poux et al., 2020 ).

The introduction of VR in education might increase student engagement, which is closely related to the cognitive, behavioral, and affective dimensions of the engagement model ( Wang and Degol, 2014 ). Cognitive engagement underscores the depth of students’ attention, comprehension, and retention ( Wang and Degol, 2014 ). Behavioral engagement is observable, characterized by consistent attendance and active classroom participation ( Wang and Degol, 2014 ). Affective engagement delves into the emotional realm, encompassing motivation, passion, and learning efficacy ( Wang and Degol, 2014 ).

Existing literature emphasizes the importance of virtual reality technology in promoting full student engagement in cognitive, behavioral, and affective dimensions, and states that the application of virtual reality technology in education has become a trend ( Mystakidis et al., 2021 ). Some literature shows that higher education institutions are increasingly adopting VR, with adoption rates as high as 46% at US universities and 96% at United Kingdom universities ( United Kingdom Authority, 2019 ; Agbo et al., 2021 ). In addition, the establishment of dedicated VR laboratories at leading universities such as Harvard University and Colorado State University underscores the commitment to using VR for educational innovation and advancement ( Reid, 1987 ; Leidner and Jarvenpaa, 1995 ). This literature shows that the widespread use of VR in education has attracted the attention of a growing number of researchers and educators, with a particular interest in the impact of VR in the classroom in terms of students’ cognitive, behavioral, and affective engagement.

It is worth noting that although existing literature begins to discuss the impact of VR on student engagement, there are still shortcomings in determining the impact of VR on various dimensions of student engagement, which may limit our overall understanding of the topic. Therefore, further discussion is needed to more specifically identify the impact of VR on the various dimensions of student engagement to gain a more comprehensive and concrete understanding. To accomplish this, this review is guided by the following three questions: (1) What are the positive impacts of VR in education? (2) What are the challenges of VR in education? (3) What interventions can address these challenges? With this in mind, the article will first discuss the positive impact of VR on students’ cognitive, behavioral, and affective engagement to help readers understand its potential in education. It will then discuss the challenges facing VR to make constructive recommendations to address the problems in education.

Searching strategy

In our methods, we used critical review. According to Grant and Booth (2009) “an effective critical review presents, analyses and synthesizes material from diverse sources”(p.93). Critical perspectives were used to assess the potential of VR in reforming educational practices and improving teaching and learning outcomes. The purpose of this article was to collect literature on the impact of VR on student engagement. Therefore, this article summarizes the previous studies as follows. First, information was obtained from Google, Scopus, and Elsevier databases: “virtual reality,” “cognitive engagement,” “affective engagement,” “behavioral engagement” and “learning outcomes.” The search was limited to articles published between January 2014 and December 2023 in English. The first search used all combinations of the above keywords and, after an initial review, produced 97 potentially relevant articles (Google: 92, Scopus: 3, Elsevier: 2).

In the second phase, secondary terms such as “affect,” “challenge,” and “education” were added, reducing the number of studies to 63 (Google:60, Scopus:1, Elsevier:2). Of these, 34 did not meet the criteria and were excluded. They were excluded because their target audience was teachers and did not discuss the impact of VR on student engagement from the student’s perspective. In the final stage, another 53 articles were excluded because they were repetitive and their purpose was to discuss either technology or engagement, or both. Finally, their full texts were reviewed to determine if their work fits the focus of this article 20 articles (Google: 17, Scopus: 1, Elsevier: 2) qualified for final review, covered a sample on the impact of VR on student engagement, and were included in the analysis.

Inclusion and exclusion criteria

To ensure the quality of the literature, we selected only peer-reviewed journal articles published in English in the last decade. The main purpose of this article was to review the impact of VR on student engagement. Therefore, we selected only review articles on the impact of VR on student engagement in educational settings. Articles that were not written in English did not discuss the impact on engagement from a student perspective, and were published beyond the previously established time and language were excluded. In addition, a selection of articles was identified and assessed by manually searching the references of articles related to the topic, of which 13 met the eligibility criteria. Therefore, 13 additional articles were added to the 20 identified. In total, 33 articles that met these eligibility criteria were included and reviewed here. Full-text versions of the articles were obtained, with each article being reviewed and confirmed as appropriate by the authors. Finally, to maximize transparency and traceability, we list the rationale and relevant evidence for all articles included (see Table 1 ). The process of article selection followed the Preferred Reporting of Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) Statement ( Moher et al., 2009 ; see Figure 1 ). Figure 1 illustrates the process of article selection.

Table 1 . Publications reviewed in full text with reasons for inclusion or exclusion.

Figure 1 . PRISMA flow diagram for article selection.

The review found that the number of publications increased each year from 2014 to 2023, indicating the continued interest of researchers in exploring the impact of VR on student engagement. When reviewing the impact of VR on student engagement, Wang and Degol’s (2014) article had the most citations at 450, suggesting that the article had a strong impact in the area of student use of VR in the classroom. The majority of articles had only 10 or fewer citations, which may have indicated that these articles were relatively new or had less impact in the field. It was worth noting that more recently published articles, such as Rzanova et al. (2023) , did not have enough time to accumulate citations, so their impact on the field may not have been fully reflected in current citations.

To summarize, the differences in the number of citations for these articles highlighted their different levels of influence in the area of VR’s impact on student engagement. However, there were some limitations to the review methods. For example, some articles might not have fully reflected their impact on the field in the current citations due to their short time frames, which might have resulted in less comprehensive findings. Furthermore, the literature included was small, and in the future consideration would be given to expanding the search of literature and databases, such as PubMed and Web of Science databases, as well as expanding the search with keywords, such as “students’ attitudes toward VR.” In addition, the inclusion and exclusion criteria might have limited the generalizability of the results of the review, and therefore more caution was needed when generalizing the results of the review.

The positive impact of VR on education

This section will discuss the impact of VR on students’ cognitive, behavioral, and affective engagement participation. It is important in the field of education. Radianti et al. (2020) noted that student engagement in educational settings was critical to learning outcomes and classroom climate. Yuan and Wang (2021) further noted that the combined effects of cognitive, behavioral, and affective engagement could directly impact student learning outcomes and classroom contextual experiences. Therefore, a deeper understanding of the impact of VR on these three dimensions of engagement can provide valuable insights into educational practices and help educators better optimize classroom environments and teaching methods.

First, Papanastasiou et al. (2019) noted that VR immersive learning experiences promoted students’ cognitive engagement and aided in understanding complex and abstract knowledge. That is, through immersive learning, students can understand and remember what they have learned in greater depth and increase cognitive engagement. Pellas (2016) also found that VR encouraged students to learn through self-directed inquiry and move away from traditional teacher-centered instruction. Pellas (2016) further explained that, through VR scenario reenactments and simulations, students could engage in real-world unavailable learning experiences such as exploring historical sites and visiting distant planets. This means that such learning experiences enable students to explore knowledge in deeper and more varied ways, thus increasing cognitive engagement. Similarly, Maples-Keller et al. (2017) showed that VR was beneficial in engaging different types of students in learning, particularly for at-risk students, including those with learning difficulties, anxiety disorders, and other mental illnesses. VR provided personalized and adaptive learning environments that helped students improve cognitive engagement and achievement ( Maples-Keller et al., 2017 ). In summary, VR facilitates understanding of complex knowledge and promotes cognitive engagement for different types of students through immersive learning experiences and self-directed inquiry learning.

Secondly, Pirker and Dengel (2021) demonstrated that VR could promote student behavioral engagement. They discussed the potential of immersive VR in education through an in-depth analysis of 64 articles. They showed that “learning tasks in 3-D VLEs can foster intrinsic motivation for and engagement with the learning content” (p.77). Sun and Peng (2020) also suggested that by combining classical educational concepts with VR, such as Confucianism’s promotion of teaching for fun, students were better able to engage in learning activities. For example, Rzanova et al. (2023) found that the use of VR in the teaching of poetry to create the scenarios depicted in the verses enabled students to actively participate in classroom activities. Similarly, Freina and Ott (2015) also found that by simulating real school escape scenarios in VR, students could take on different roles to perform escape drills, and this sense of behavioral engagement can help students better master escape techniques and enhance safety awareness. These articles seem to echo that VR helps to enhance student behavioral engagement.

It is worth noting that there is debate about whether VR has a positive impact on student behavioral engagement. Proponents noted that students’ hands-on experience and exploration in virtual environments stimulated interest and behavioral engagement ( Wong et al., 2010 ; Allcoat and Von Mühlenen, 2018 ). This view suggests that VR provides an immersive learning experience that enhances students’ motivation and promotes deeper engagement in classroom activities. However, contrary findings exist, suggesting that the use of VR may have some negative effects. For example, students might have become addicted to the virtual world and neglected their real-life tasks and responsibilities, thus affecting their behavior in the classroom ( Cheng et al., 2015 ; Greenwald et al., 2018 ; Makransky et al., 2019 ). In addition, some other scholars noted that there might have been a gap between learning experiences in virtual environments and real-world learning experiences, which might have affected students’ ability to acquire and apply knowledge ( Makransky and Petersen, 2021 ). These conflicting results remind us that these complexities and diversities need to be taken into account when evaluating the role of VR technology in improving student engagement in the classroom.

Finally, scholars such as Wu et al. (2013) , Schutte and Stilinović (2017) , and Yuen et al. (2011) found that VR helped to promote student affective engagement. For example, Schutte and Stilinović (2017) found that contexts provided by VR for children with emotional impairments or disabilities taught them skills in communicating with people and managing their emotions, thus fostering empathy. This implies that VR may stimulate affective engagement. Wu et al. (2013) and Yuen et al. (2011) also found that VR provided opportunities for affective interaction, enabling students to interact with characters in the virtual environment. In language learning, for example, practicing through conversations with virtual characters could help students improve their oral expression ( Dhimolea et al., 2022 ). This means that affective interactions may increase students’ affective engagement with the learning content. Similarly, Misak (2018) noted that VR allowed students to role-play in virtual literature and experience the affective portrayed in the story. In other words, affective experiences may deepen students’ understanding of literary works and increase affective engagement. This literature seems to reflect that VR can promote student affective engagement.

In general, VR positively impacts students’ cognitive, behavioral, and affective engagement. In terms of cognitive engagement, VR can facilitate students’ cognitive engagement with learning materials and better understanding of abstract and complex knowledge by creating immersive situations. In terms of behavioral engagement, VR stimulates active student engagement and action through interactive learning. Although there is debate about whether VR has a positive impact on student behavioral engagement, literature has demonstrated the positive impact of VR on student behavioral engagement. In terms of affective engagement, VR promotes students’ emotional engagement by triggering affective resonance through affective experience and affective interaction. This full engagement helps students improve their learning and develop empathy.

The following section discusses the challenges faced when introducing VR in education. Through understanding these challenges, we can better understand the problems in the education system and make some constructive suggestions to help address them.

The challenge of VR in education

Despite the positive impact of VR on students’ cognitive, behavioral, and affective engagement, there are still two challenges to introducing VR into middle education, namely the difficulty of the educational system in keeping up with VR developments and the lack of teacher proficiency in VR use ( Islam et al., 2015 ; Zhong, 2017 ; Abich et al., 2021 ). For example, Islam et al. (2015) observed that the pace of technological advancement, including VR, outpaced the ability of the education system to adapt. This phenomenon is due to the slow reform of the education system, which takes time for the acceptance and adoption of emerging technologies ( Islam et al., 2015 ). To this end, the education sector may take longer to standardize the syllabus, resulting in students not having immediate access to VR ( Zhong, 2017 ). In other words, students may not have the opportunity to experience VR in the classroom until the education department completes the standardization process. Sahlberg (2016) further stated that while reform and standardization in the education sector took time, once VR and the education system evolved in tandem, students benefited from an education that matched the VR of the day.

Other scholars observed that VR education faced several challenges in developing digital literacy in students ( Aviram and Eshet-Alkalai, 2006 ; Sahlberg, 2016 ). According to Reddy et al. (2020) , “digital literacy is a set of skills required by 21st Century individuals to use digital tools to support the achievement of goals in their life situations” (p. 66). Digital literacy encompasses the assessment of digital technologies, critical thinking, and the ability to create and express oneself digitally ( Reddy et al., 2020 ). For example, Tsivitanidou et al. (2021) and Necci et al. (2015) emphasized the need for students to identify the differences between the results of simulation experiments and real experiments and to assess the reliability and accuracy of simulation experiments. In other words, students need to judge the plausibility of the results of simulation experiments and interpret and evaluate those results in real-world situations.

Similarly, Farmer and Farmer (2023) found that digital literacy required students to master VR painting and sculpting tools to create art. This involved learning to select appropriate colors and textures and creating three-dimensional effects with VR tools ( Skulmowski et al., 2021 ). Meanwhile, Andone et al. (2018) further noted that students also needed to learn to share and present their work to others in virtual reality. This observation seems to reflect the high demand for students’ creativity, technical skills, and expressive abilities when introducing VR into education. In sum, while the development of VR education benefits students’ learning in conjunction with VR, there are challenges to students’ digital literacy and the technological adaptability of the education system.

In addition, teachers’ lack of proficiency in the use of VR is another major challenge in introducing VR into middle education. For example, Abich et al. (2021) found that teachers might lack proficiency in the operation and application of VR, which might result in teachers not being able to fully utilize VR to supplement instruction. Jensen and Konradsen (2018) claimed that “for HMDs to become a relevant tool for instructors they must have the ability to produce and edit their content” (p.1525). This means that teachers need to spend time familiarizing themselves with HMDs and related software to create, edit, and customize content to meet their specific instructional needs. Similarly, Fransson et al. (2020) discussed the challenges of teachers operating VR equipment and software. They interviewed 28 teachers to understand teachers’ challenges with implementing helmet display VR in educational settings. Fransson et al. (2020) indicated that there might be a technological threshold and learning curve for teachers in controlling and operating VR devices, which might affect the effective use of VR for teaching and learning.

While teachers may lack familiarity with VR, there are solutions to this challenge. For example, Alfalah (2018) noted that proper training and support could help teachers make the most of VR to supplement instruction. That is, teacher training can provide teachers with the technical knowledge and operational skills they need to familiarize themselves with how VR equipment and software work. To this end, Alfalah (2018) found the impact of providing teachers with VR training in schools. They used a quantitative approach by distributing a questionnaire online to 30 IT teachers. Alfalah (2018) indicated that “technology training may be maximized for the integration of VR technology” (P.2634). This finding seems to reflect that proper teacher training and support can be effective in helping teachers overcome the operational and application of VR technology’s difficulties.

In sum, prior literature has shown that introducing VR into middle school education faces several challenges. First, the rapid development of technology makes the educational system keep up with VR, resulting in a disconnect between the educational curriculum and VR. Second, there may be a lack of proficiency in students’ digital literacy and teachers’ handling and application of VR. However, these challenges are not insurmountable. With proper training and support, teachers can make full use of VR to supplement their teaching and learning to realize the potential of VR in education. It is worth noting that through the literature we have found that in practice, due to the rapid development of technology and the limitations of the educational system, achieving a complete balance may take some time and effort. Therefore, considering how to address the gap between the speed of VR development and the education system to better integrate and apply VR in education makes sense.

This article describes the impact of VR on student cognitive, behavioral, and affective engagement and the challenges posed by VR education. The literature review finds that using VR in the classroom can positively impact student engagement and learning outcomes. An interesting finding is that VR can be a promising tool for providing education to students with learning disabilities. For example, the previous literature review section describes how for students with learning difficulties, anxiety disorders, and other mental illnesses, VR can provide personalized and adaptive learning environments that can help students improve cognitive engagement and academic performance. And, for children with emotional disorders or disabilities, VR provides contexts that can teach them skills for communicating with others and managing their emotions, thereby developing empathy and stimulating affective engagement.

However, the potential problems with incorporating VR in middle education are the difficulty of the education system in keeping up with VR developments, the higher demands of student digital literacy, and the lack of teacher proficiency in the use of VR. These challenges require educational policymakers to provide training and technical support to teachers to ensure that they can fully master and integrate VR to improve student engagement and teaching effectiveness.

Author contributions

XL: Writing – original draft, Writing – review & editing. BL: Conceptualization, Writing – original draft, Writing – review & editing. ZNY: Writing – original draft, Writing – review & editing. ZY: Funding acquisition, Supervision, Writing – original draft, Writing – review & editing. MZ: Funding acquisition, Writing – original draft, Writing – review & editing, Supervision.

The author(s) declare financial support was received for the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article. This work was supported by the General Topics of China’s Hunan Province Social Science Achievement Evaluation Committee Fund [Grant no. XSP2023JYC123].

Acknowledgments

We are deeply appreciative of the editors and reviewers of this journal for their unwavering dedication and contributions that have shaped the publication of this article. Their constructive feedback and invaluable insights were instrumental in bringing this piece to fruition. We extend our heartfelt thanks to the readers with a keen interest in virtual reality technology. It is our sincere hope that this article will inspire enriched discussions within the academic community about the potential and nuances of using virtual reality in educational contexts.

Conflict of interest

The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest.

Publisher’s note

All claims expressed in this article are solely those of the authors and do not necessarily represent those of their affiliated organizations, or those of the publisher, the editors and the reviewers. Any product that may be evaluated in this article, or claim that may be made by its manufacturer, is not guaranteed or endorsed by the publisher.

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Keywords: virtual reality technology, cognitive engagement, affective engagement, behavioral engagement, learning outcomes

Citation: Lin XP, Li BB, Yao ZN, Yang Z and Zhang M (2024) The impact of virtual reality on student engagement in the classroom–a critical review of the literature. Front. Psychol . 15:1360574. doi: 10.3389/fpsyg.2024.1360574

Received: 23 December 2023; Accepted: 22 March 2024; Published: 10 April 2024.

Reviewed by:

Copyright © 2024 Lin, Li, Yao, Yang and Zhang. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (CC BY) . The use, distribution or reproduction in other forums is permitted, provided the original author(s) and the copyright owner(s) are credited and that the original publication in this journal is cited, in accordance with accepted academic practice. No use, distribution or reproduction is permitted which does not comply with these terms.

*Correspondence: Zhi Yang, [email protected] ; Mingshu Zhang, [email protected]

† These authors have contributed equally to this work and share first authorship

Disclaimer: All claims expressed in this article are solely those of the authors and do not necessarily represent those of their affiliated organizations, or those of the publisher, the editors and the reviewers. Any product that may be evaluated in this article or claim that may be made by its manufacturer is not guaranteed or endorsed by the publisher.

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IELTS Essay Topic: Virtual reality can be used for therapeutic interventions and mental health treatments.

• Updated on  
• Nov 9, 2023

Q- Virtual reality can be used for therapeutic interventions and mental health treatments. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

Ans. The use of Virtual Reality technology in fields of therapeutic interventions and mental health treatments is a widely discussed topic. However, I have reservations about this owing to its potential side effects.

The effectiveness of VR in therapy and mental health is still largely uncertain. For example, spending extended periods in VR environments can lead to cybersickness, which causes symptoms like disorientation, dizziness, and even nausea. These side effects may actually deteriorate existing health issues and alleviate them. Moreover, the expense and technical requirements associated with high-quality VR equipment like Oculus Rift or HTC Vive make it inaccessible for people who could have otherwise benefited from VR therapy. In contrast, traditional therapeutic approaches such as behavioral therapy remain widely available and have a proven track record of effectiveness. 

Furthermore, it is worth considering that the impersonal nature of VR might hinder the process itself. Successful therapy often relies on establishing a trusting relationship between the therapist and the patient. The connection between humans may not be as strong, in a setting, which could possibly lessen the effectiveness of therapy. For instance, in traditional therapy, a therapist can pick up on subtle cues such as body language, tone of voice, and facial expressions, which can provide valuable insights into a patient’s emotional state. These nuances might be missed or misinterpreted in a VR setting, potentially leading to misunderstandings or missed opportunities for therapeutic intervention.

In conclusion, while VR technology undoubtedly has potential in many fields, its application in therapeutic interventions and mental health treatments is not without its challenges. More research is needed to fully understand the implications and effectiveness of VR therapy. Until then, traditional therapeutic methods should remain the primary approach to mental health treatment. This stance is not to undermine the potential of VR but to emphasise the importance of thorough research and consideration before widespread implementation.

Paraphrased Statement: The use of Virtual Reality technology in fields of therapeutic interventions and mental health treatments is a widely discussed topic.

Thesis Statement:   However, I have reservations about this owing to its potential side effects.

Body Paragraph 1-Topic Sentences: The effectiveness of VR in therapy and mental health is still largely uncertain. For example, spending extended periods in VR environments can lead to cybersickness, which causes symptoms like disorientation, dizziness, and even nausea. These side effects may actually deteriorate existing health issues and alleviate them. 

Body Paragraph 1- Supporting Reasons and Explanations: Moreover, the expense and technical requirements associated with high-quality VR equipment like Oculus Rift or HTC Vive make it inaccessible for people who could have otherwise benefited from VR therapy. In contrast, traditional therapeutic approaches such as behavioral therapy remain widely available and have a proven track record of effectiveness. 

Body Paragraph 2- Topic sentences: Furthermore, it is worth considering that the impersonal nature of VR might hinder the process itself. Successful therapy often relies on establishing a trusting relationship between the therapist and the patient. The connection between humans may not be as strong, in a setting, which could possibly lessen the effectiveness of therapy.

Body Paragraph 2- Supporting Reasons and Explanations:  For instance, in traditional therapy, a therapist can pick up on subtle cues such as body language, tone of voice, and facial expressions, which can provide valuable insights into a patient’s emotional state. These nuances might be missed or misinterpreted in a VR setting, potentially leading to misunderstandings or missed opportunities for therapeutic intervention.

Conclusion: In conclusion, while VR technology undoubtedly has potential in many fields, its application in therapeutic interventions and mental health treatments is not without its challenges. More research is needed to fully understand the implications and effectiveness of VR therapy. Until then, traditional therapeutic methods should remain the primary approach to mental health treatment. This stance is not to undermine the potential of VR but to emphasise the importance of thorough research and consideration before widespread implementation.

Vocabulary in Use

The use of Virtual Reality technology in fields of therapeutic interventions and mental health treatments is a widely discussed topic. However, I have reservations about this owing to its potential side effects.

The effectiveness of VR in therapy and mental health is still largely uncertain . For example, spending extended periods in VR environments can lead to cybersickness, which causes symptoms like disorientation , dizziness, and even nausea . These side effects may actually deteriorate existing health issues and alleviate them. Moreover, the expense and technical requirements associated with high-quality VR equipment like Oculus Rift or HTC Vive make it inaccessible for people who could have otherwise benefited from VR therapy. In contrast, traditional therapeutic approaches such as behavioral therapy remain widely available and have a proven track record of effectiveness. 

Linkers and Connectors Used

Below are the linkers and connectors used:

• In recent times
• Additionally
• For example
• In contrast
• Furthermore
• For instance
• In conclusion

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Purti Chawla

Purti is a CELTA, British Council, and IDP-certified language trainer. Having worked as a Study Abroad Test Prep Expert for the past 7 years, she has guided thousands of students towards their desirable scores in IELTS, TOEFL, GRE, GMAT and other language proficiency tests to study abroad. She is adept in molding learning strategies according to the needs of the learners and has built multiple courses at Leverage IELTS with result-oriented strategies. Proficient in test prep courses such as IELTS, TOEFL, PTE, and Duolingo, she loves to explore different classroom teaching methods, keeps continuously improving her own skills, and stays abreast with the latest teaching methodologies. She is a master trainer at Leverage Edu and aims to help thousands more through her expertise.

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