Virtual reality (VR) is a technology that is slowly changing the world for many people who suffer from loneliness.
While many think of it as an escape from everyday lives, it is actually a technology that is not only helping people who feel isolated but it is helping the elderly, shut-ins and those who live in places where socialization is difficult.
VR, when combined with the internet, offers a bridge between someone’s isolation and worlds that offer them friends, (not only online games) companionship and social support.
The VR gaming world is doing wonders in helping solve the issue of loneliness that plagues many individuals.
Virtual Reality
Virtual reality, or immersive technology, is a system that creates digital worlds that imitate the real world.
You are immersed in it through a special 3D system that makes everything seem real.
It uses your senses to interact and communicate with others in the same virtual space.
These technologies gain traction with each new discovery and now are prevalent in the areas of art, entertainment, gaming, education and more.
The added bonus to this VR technology is it also offers the opportunity to tackle the loneliness that plague so many.
The obvious most important part of the VR kit is the headset itself.
It has goggles that go over your eyes, running from the expensive high-end ones that are connected to your computer or TV to run games or a cheaper version that uses a cellphone attached to the headset.
You also need a good set of earphones to go with the headset if they are not included.
There are other accessories as well you can purchase such as controllers and treadmills which accentuate the feelings of being immersed in the program itself.
Hand controllers will let you move your avatar in the same way you are doing it in person.
Joysticks can be used to do something similar.
The VR devices use app stores that are specially for them along with some special retailers such as Steam which have sections set up specifically for VR apps.
Studies – Research is telling us that VR is a benefit to people of any age.
It keeps people active and stimulates cognitive, physical and sensory traits.
It allows people to join communities that they would not otherwise have access to and can help them feel engaged and part of a social setting.
The immersion takes the engagement one step further into feeling realistic and helping people feel more connected.
While some will say that VR allows people to hide from reality, in actuality it opens up a world to many who may not have the opportunity to interact with others. It can stave off loneliness by allowing those who live far away from others to connect, for those who are shut in to talk and participate in a social circle and to help those who perhaps have difficulty socializing to build relationships they would struggle within their real world.
Games to Keep you Sharp – Virtual reality is good for those who want to be active and integrated into an online social circle whether it is for companionship or simply to engage for fun.
There are action and strategy games along with multi-player adventures that can all help that happen.
Many who are lonely can also become lethargic with the lack of engagement, so these games help with increasing attention, the processing of information and memory.
Games, where there is shooting, improve visual reaction and response speed.
Strategy is a bonus for working on memory as did role-playing games.
Role-playing also helps people who are lonely by keeping their minds active with reasoning and memory through social interactions and responding to other players.
Online VR games and puzzles keep the user engaged both socially and on many other beneficial levels as well.
Uses for Virtual Reality
There are numerous uses for VR that go from relaxing time on the virtual beach to games that have no limits.
There is literally something for anyone and everyone.
There are programs that help you relax and enjoy some quiet sights and sounds and others that will engage you with people around the world.
You have games that are called first-person shooter games where the player is the one attempting to kill another.
You have casino games that can be played with just the player or others that have people set up around the table with other participants.
There are other games that let the athlete in you play any sport you want.
You do not have to be proficient in real life but can be the one to shoot the scoring goal in VR cam experience.
There are old school games you can play such as the ones you used to play on family game night or in the arcade or you can go all in and play the massively multiplayer games with literally millions of others online at the same time from around the world.
You can be whoever you want and interact with whoever interests you.
You can create the avatar of your dreams and interact either as yourself or a persona that you want to make up.
There is no end to what virtual reality technology can do.
It continues to grow and morph into more complex games and scenarios as companies begin to include touch, taste and smell into the already complex world of sight and sound.
While VR is great, it is only going to get better in the not so near future and will do more to offer a solution for those who are lonely and seeking some online friendships.
