Valid points but VR is mostly in its infancy and the possibilities are still mostly under blueprint or trials.

I won't say we must blindly follow the tech and get addicted to it but we must be open to change and let it help us grow.
I hope you would agree.

I agree. I think this is the right mindset for any kind of technology. No one is claiming we should turn a blind eye to any disadvantages and risks. And it’s totally okay to be skeptical and ask questions about it –because clearly, no one is an expert here. For sure we’ve had doubts, or continue to have doubts about the internet, smartphones etc.. but we still continue to use it. Because we know it serves us a purpose and maybe, the benefits outweigh any of the cons. You’re right to say that tech should help us grow. That’s the main reason its being created and developed anyway.

 

I agree. I think this is the right mindset for any kind of technology. No one is claiming we should turn a blind eye to any disadvantages and risks. And it’s totally okay to be skeptical and ask questions about it –because clearly, no one is an expert here. For sure we’ve had doubts, or continue to have doubts about the internet, smartphones etc.. but we still continue to use it. Because we know it serves us a purpose and maybe, the benefits outweigh any of the cons. You’re right to say that tech should help us grow. That’s the main reason its being created and developed anyway.

The hype is killing the objective here. I don't think the problem really is about the tech could go against us but that we blindly believe everything and somehow we have stopped questioning and reasoning what's projected.

 

My thoughts exactly. I own a Rift too and I greatly appreciate the tech. Playing games in VR is incomparable to flat screen gaming.

But I get it. It’s easy to be skeptical about a tech from a spectator’s point of view. And besides, hardware could be pretty expensive. I think this is one of the main reasons why it hasn’t become mainstream yet, and why people still have negative views about it.

A lot of people who say its 'bad' or 'useless', I bet they haven't tried it. The thing is, you can't imagine the possibilities if you don't try it. How can someone argue that immersive tech isn't worth it or doesn't make sense when they haven't felt it ever?
Absurd but that's how we are, I am sure people will come around as the tech spreads into mainstream industries.

 

A lot of people who say its 'bad' or 'useless', I bet they haven't tried it. The thing is, you can't imagine the possibilities if you don't try it. How can someone argue that immersive tech isn't worth it or doesn't make sense when they haven't felt it ever?

Discernment of what you put in your head and body is a good thing, I don't inject recreational drugs just to see the possibilities either. It's not that I'm against people using VR but many of us think it's a joke that immersive tech is somehow superior or even close to rote learning and actual physical experience. You might experience it at some shallow level similar to an opium pipe dream.

 

Discernment of what you put in your head and body is a good thing, I don't inject recreational drugs just to see the possibilities either. It's not that I'm against people using VR but many of us think it's a joke that immersive tech is somehow superior or even close to rote learning and actual physical experience. You might experience it at some shallow level similar to an opium pipe dream.

This conversation is going exactly the same way as many conversations that I have had with the people who did drugs and wouldnrefuse to talk to me because I have not. The problem is thst once you do, you cant go back. And my friend cannot see himself, while on drugs, the way I see him - paranoid, dillusional and with zero control. He thinks he was free and uninhibited... You probably can achieve that state, but yoh actually have to have grest control over your mind before you go in. And here is the problem - most do not. It is at the core of all our issues. We try to mask the problems instead of solving them. People seek a partner because they are lonely, so now you have two lonely people trying to fullfull the emptiness... Solve the original problem first! Then we can talk about AI etc.

AI and virtual reality are presented as an answer and a solution. But what was the question? I dont know, and to me that is a problem. And that is why I do not buy into the hype.

p.s the answer is 42 anyway

 

Comparing VR to illicit drug use reminds of the seldom discussed reality that many of our intellectual heroes were on drugs. Einstein used cocaine (and tobacco), Ben Franklin reportedly used opium. Don't misunderstand, I personally advise people to not take drugs because of the problems I've seen that arise from their use.

There is a VR salon that opened in my city a while back. I took my (grown up) son to try it. They had good hardware but the experience was a bit of a disappointment. First, I prepaid online for two of us but found when I got there that one of use would sit and watch the other one. If I had known that I would have paid full price each rather than the half price for one of us to just watch.

But the most exhilarating experience with my Oculus was running around in an alien environment climbing trees and jumping cliffs. All the offerings at the solon were static: you stood in one spot but could look around the 3D space you were immersed in. At the end of the paid hour I complained to the staff and was told, "Oh we don't usually let customers use those types of apps, as they tend to get a little nauseated." What??? That's exactly what I wanted!

 

Comparing VR to illicit drug use reminds of the seldom discussed reality that many of our intellectual heroes were on drugs. Einstein used cocaine (and tobacco), Ben Franklin reportedly used opium. Don't misunderstand, I personally advise people to not take drugs because of the problems I've seen that arise from their use.

Sure, everyone has their personal vice. VR is being used in a positive way like a drug for pain. The effect is much like a therapeutic narcotic.
https://mygi.health/blog/expert-opi...d-using-virtual-reality-hospitalized-patients

 

VR pharmacy?? Next, it'll be, hey, my VR dealer can set you up with the good stuff.

 

Comparing VR to illicit drug use reminds of the seldom discussed reality that many of our intellectual heroes were on drugs. Einstein used cocaine (and tobacco), Ben Franklin reportedly used opium. Don't misunderstand, I personally advise people to not take drugs because of the problems I've seen that arise from their use.

There is a VR salon that opened in my city a while back. I took my (grown up) son to try it. They had good hardware but the experience was a bit of a disappointment. First, I prepaid online for two of us but found when I got there that one of use would sit and watch the other one. If I had known that I would have paid full price each rather than the half price for one of us to just watch.

But the most exhilarating experience with my Oculus was running around in an alien environment climbing trees and jumping cliffs. All the offerings at the solon were static: you stood in one spot but could look around the 3D space you were immersed in. At the end of the paid hour I complained to the staff and was told, "Oh we don't usually let customers use those types of apps, as they tend to get a little nauseated." What??? That's exactly what I wanted!

So you wanted to be nauseated? Or are you upset that they did not want your son to be sick? It is a business and they could be liable... I am not sure what your point is. The tech is underdeveloped and still at its infancy. Simulations for training are also great, but transitioning that to real life is something else. Things break and bleed and die for real and you cannot get them back...

 

Being nauseated doesn't scare me. It's not much different from the popularity of roller coasters. It might make some people vomit, but most people just enjoy the thrill. Instead we wasted an hour and $50 basically playing 3D Mario Brothers.

 

A lot of people who say its 'bad' or 'useless', I bet they haven't tried it. The thing is, you can't imagine the possibilities if you don't try it. How can someone argue that immersive tech isn't worth it or doesn't make sense when they haven't felt it ever?
Absurd but that's how we are, I am sure people will come around as the tech spreads into mainstream industries.

Exactly. I think it’s those who have tried VR who are seeing it’s true potential. I’ve even recently discovered an entire new platform for discussing VR and other technologies, and their future. Some of the discussions are quite interesting, actually. It negates the assumption that VR is all hype.

https://virternity.online/viewtopic.php?f=14&t=1092

 

It's not that I'm against people using VR but many of us think it's a joke that immersive tech is somehow superior or even close to rote learning and actual physical experience. You might experience it at some shallow level similar to an opium pipe dream.

I don’t think VR is being advertised as being superior to real experiences. I think what is being reported so far, is its capacity to be a substitute or supplement to some experiences. For instance, VR offers gaming enthusiasts an enhanced version of flat screen games, those who are confined to a wheelchair could experience “travelling” through the technology, or inmates could learn about the outside world as well.

https://www.radionz.co.nz/news/nati...ality-unlocking-educational-doors-for-inmates

Bottom line is, it’s a form of extension of reality or an escape, regardless of location. And that’s just one of the unique benefits of using VR.

 

Exactly. I think it’s those who have tried VR who are seeing it’s true potential. I’ve even recently discovered an entire new platform for discussing VR and other technologies, and their future. Some of the discussions are quite interesting, actually. It negates the assumption that VR is all hype.

https://virternity.online/viewtopic.php?f=14&t=1092

VR is gaining attention from all spheres of industries, there must be some base to this. I don't think that apprehensions are not genuine, but there must be some way to resolve these issues, like nausea and other side effects (which I think will improve with the gear improvements).
We must not ignore a good technology because it looks disruptive.

 

I don’t think VR is being advertised as being superior to real experiences. I think what is being reported so far, is its capacity to be a substitute or supplement to some experiences. For instance, VR offers gaming enthusiasts an enhanced version of flat screen games, those who are confined to a wheelchair could experience “travelling” through the technology, or inmates could learn about the outside world as well.

https://www.radionz.co.nz/news/nati...ality-unlocking-educational-doors-for-inmates

Bottom line is, it’s a form of extension of reality or an escape, regardless of location. And that’s just one of the unique benefits of using VR.

The opportunities seem intriguing, especially in healthcare and education. I think we can do wonders with this tech but we also need to keep a check on implications. At times an exciting innovation makes us forget our responsibilities. Choosing to ignore these factors could be a downfall.

 

Yes, VR is taking over in all the fields these days. I see a lot of comparisons being done with books. I guess VR might be a great experience but I guess it can never take place of what a physical book does for you. Your imagination is the greatest of all things. It can never replace books.

Nobody says that we replace books or our traditional ways. Its more about co-existing with new technologies and innovations. We need to understand that no technology asks to you change your ways, its just about adjusting to the new dimensions.

 

VR is gaining attention from all spheres of industries, there must be some base to this. I don't think that apprehensions are not genuine, but there must be some way to resolve these issues, like nausea and other side effects (which I think will improve with the gear improvements).
We must not ignore a good technology because it looks disruptive.

Valid points. And yes, for sure there will be gear improvements. Gear should be lighter and more comfortable to wear. I mean, if they can make AR/Smart glasses look sleeker, I’m sure they can do the same for VR. And since there’s a lot of hype now for wearable technology, we could definitely expect improvements in the near future.

 

Yes, VR is taking over in all the fields these days. I see a lot of comparisons being done with books. I guess VR might be a great experience but I guess it can never take place of what a physical book does for you. Your imagination is the greatest of all things. It can never replace books.

I love books myself, and still continue to read despite owning a headset and playing VR games with it. And I think we’ve gotten so used to reading and have become accustomed to how it can spark our imagination but surely, it cannot be the be-all and end-all for getting the best experience. VR can be good for creativity as well. I think what the author (who tried VR for the first time) says about the technology in this article, could be useful for fellow beginners.

“The big surprise for me from this week-long experiment was that virtual reality trips feel like an effective new method for getting into a creative mental state. With the right curator, virtual reality can act as a form of engineered serendipity, a radical experience that can pull you out of your daily routine and your comfortable groove of mild emotions.”


https://medium.com/ideo-stories/can-virtual-reality-make-you-more-creative-fe6782cc1244

 

“The big surprise for me from this week-long experiment was that virtual reality trips feel like an effective new method for getting into a creative mental state. With the right curator, virtual reality can act as a form of engineered serendipity, a radical experience that can pull you out of your daily routine and your comfortable groove of mild emotions.”

Sort of like a narcotic?
https://spectrum.ieee.org/consumer-electronics/gadgets/virtual-reality-is-addictive-and-unhealthy
https://www.entrepreneur.com/article/311738

 

Sort of like a narcotic?
https://spectrum.ieee.org/consumer-electronics/gadgets/virtual-reality-is-addictive-and-unhealthy
https://www.entrepreneur.com/article/311738

I actually think that some narcotics are healthier in many ways as they utilize preexisting pathways and in reality do expand your own mind and its potential instead of placing you in an artificial world. What you experience when on psychotropic drugs is in fact quite real.

 

I think VR has potential in a lot of areas, for example education and training of employees, however it has a little way to go before it is mainstream. The resolution needs work and the price tag makes it a little out of reach for your average consumer, but that will change in time. I do believe it will become mainstream though, it is just a question of when, not if.