Virtual Reality

                        The Future of Virtual Reality       

     Virtual Reality is the only place in where we have can have the power to get away from the physical world and be apart of a whole entire world under our disposal. The definition of Virtual Reality is simply a computer generated simulation of a 3-D environment that allow you to interact with any augmented reality. This allows you to allow you feel anything as if it's real. In movies we've seen over the years like Back to the Future, Existenz  and the upcoming Ready Player One. They all add on to the things that we the viewers can only imagine. All the endless possibilities and experiences we can be apart of within this augmented reality. All though these are just concepts from movies and tv shows. It is hard to envision us being able to experience these concepts because of how advanced it is for us right now. Needless, to say we are not that far from being in the same realm as these concepts. As recently as 2016, the latest and most revolutionized Virtual Reality models have been brought forward to the public. Models like Playstation VR, Oculus Rift, HTC Vive, etc. Seemingly it is as if we barely scratched the surface for the potential behind the VR. The opportunities are as high as the sky and there nothing but improvements from here on out. Here's the thing, due to the sad and horrific events that occured recently over in Parkland, Florida. I'm sure there will be much discussion about the things that may have influence the suspect and once again put the controversy of violent video games back on peoples radar. In the relation to Virtual Reality, will these events/controversies affect the future and potential of Virtual Reality?

 In our society, the only  form of reality outside of the real world that most turn to is through Televisions, Movies, and most notably video games. At a young age, it is safe to say that more children/teens are all glued to their television screens playing video games rather playing at nearby parks. The statement can be made that exposure to video games primarily violent ones can lead to an individual appear more aggressive and start on the path on criminal like behavior. According to CNN studies and reports that 90% of children of the United States" engage in violent video games. Considering the interest of these games show a trend among the youth. Many feel this constant exposure can lead to unmanageable violence. In a study conducted in Delaware Middle  School, they asked 6500 students to partake in a Survey. "Whitney DeCamp, an associate Professor of Sociology at Western Michigan University discovered that playing video games no matter how bloody does not predict violent behavior." Here's the thing this is only based on a video game console that is connected to a tv screen. In terms of Virtual Reality you are in full control of the environment around you. You are no longer using a control to navigate around, your are now in control of all the physical actions you make. No matter if the simulation is violent or not and the video games we are exposed to is barely making us exhibit aggressive like behavior, I believe it may be worst if exposed to VR.

On a symposium, "Remarks on Virtual World and Virtual Reality" by Glenn W. Harrison, Ernan Haruvy, and Elisabet Rutstrom. They help identify three major differences between the virtual world and real world. The first one is, "the elimination of real geographic distances". This means when using the VR we are no longer in those different geographical boundaries. This eliminates things like  time zones and physical distances. In a way it can affect one's social identity. Considering our role in society is now heavily based on our  gender, age, ethnicity, race. Once we are in the VR we are now able to determine our characteristics. The last difference revolves around interaction. In the physical world we rely on nothing but interactions. The VR world would eliminate that and replace it with a computer and eliminate the need for communication presence in many ways."

There are many things we could do to get around this controversy and at the same time be able to experience the VR in the way we always wanted to. The VR isn't primarily for video games, it can be used as a surgery simulation to help surgeons practice performing successful surgeries without using real bodies. It's safe to say this type of technology isn't only for entertainment purposes. If we do want to be safe, there may be some regulation put in place, but this  will make people feel like we are not getting its' full potential. The argument would consist of if no restrictions or regulations are put in place and companies continue as plan, then we ask is all worth it if we were creating something that may ultimately take a life. There no win-win situation. What would you guys decide on?