(VR) Virtual reality is an interactive artificial environment created using computer technology. The effect of immersion in virtual reality is achieved by influencing the user’s vision, hearing, touch, and sometimes smell, using touch devices.
Behind the potential that virtual reality (VR) technology carries, there are also possible risks:
- Impact on the health of the user.
Virtual reality can cause dizziness and nausea. The user’s brain perceives the actions performed in the artificial world as a reality, while the body remains motionless. Immersion in virtual reality can also cause physical injury. Virtual reality glasses close the user’s field of vision and make it impossible to control the real environment. Therefore, manufacturers of virtual reality headsets, such as Oculus, warn users to ensure a safe space during a VR session. Virtual reality also cause psychological addiction
- Confidentiality of information.
The principle of operation of virtual reality is based on tracking user actions and collecting biometric data when scanning the iris or retina, fingerprints, facial geometry and voice. In this case, it is almost impossible to ensure the anonymity of the user.
- Cyber attacks.
Cybercriminals or hackers can pursue completely different goals: from undermining the company’s image to the introduction of ransomware for the purpose of financial extortion.
- Manipulation of consciousness.
The plots of virtual reality games can become a tool for manipulating the minds of users, even though they go through control before going on sale. For example, negative characters can be endowed with features of people of a certain nationality and appearance. Also, users “living” in virtual reality and accustomed to scenes of violence in games often lose their sense of empathy when witnessing a dramatic situation in the real world.
Virtual reality technology is still a subject of research. And like anything, it has its upsides and downsides. Despite the possible concerns associated with the introduction of virtual reality into everyday areas of life, this technology will continue to develop and improve. As well as computer and mobile technologies, which have their own negative sides, but without them it is impossible to imagine modern life.
