Technology has come so far and advanced so fast, and thanks to that people have invented some amazing tools that can help assist us in our everyday lives! There are many, assistive tools out there that we use daily, but in this article, I will be talking specifically about Virtual Reality (VR)/how the equipment necessary to reach VR can be used for therapy and how it can benefit almost anyone in helping to maintain social interaction and upholding therapy treatment. 

Virtual Iraq (a spinoff of “Full Spectrum Warrior”) was later assessed and improved to support a VR-based therapy game for aerophobia (the fear of flying), acrophobia (the fear of heights), glossophobia (the fear of public speaking) and substance abuse. 

Virtual Iraq proved successful in normalization of over 70% of PTSD sufferers, and that has now become a standard accepted treatment by the Anxiety and Depression Association of America.Virtual Reality quickly become a fast growing trend on the internet and on August 1^st, 2012, A kickstarter company named “Oculus Rift” launched five different models (founder: Palmer Luckey) which is what is commonly used today among VR users.

One of the most used characteristics of VR is the social aspect. With a VR headset, users can virtually engage/interact with one another in a video game setting and the use of interacting through avatars. Some of the most popular platforms include: Facebook’s “Spaces,” and VR-Chat where interactive content and live, customizable avatars are able to come hand in hand for a fun, light spirited, social experience. These platforms are able enhance general communication skills to better one’s real life social experience. 

 

And of course, there are physical health risks that could apply. People using a VR headset should always be aware of their surroundings, make sure there are no dangerous items in the room they are using to play VR if walking is required. Users make sure to take a break and do a reality check, get up and stretch or walk around, and are never to wear their VR headset outdoors unless someone is there to supervise. 

Another example of how VR is improving peoples lives in the City of Hamilton, Ontario, is one of VR’s newest video game experiences: a VR arcade called “Ctrl V”. The arcade is located on Queenston Rd, on the east side of Hamilton in Stoney Creek, located in Battlefield Square Plaza. Coming here can benefit anyone at any age for some fun times to lift a person’s wellness, spirits and is “just what the doctor ordered”, so to speak. If someone is feeling down, stressed, looking to play some good video games with some friends or try something new if you’ve never tried playing a game in VR. Staff at CTRL V focus on making their facilities welcoming, safe, and awe-inspiring by maintaining the highest level of commercial virtual reality experience and taking note of health and safety precautions, as well as making VR user spaces as accessible and adaptable as possible.