Description: Virtual reality (VR) experiences are immersive activities that use advanced technology to create digital environments where users can interact realistically. Through devices like VR headsets, haptic gloves, and motion controllers, users are transported to virtual worlds where they can experience situations ranging from games and simulations to educational and therapeutic environments. VR is characterized by its ability to immerse the user in a complete sensory experience, utilizing three-dimensional graphics, surround sound, and tactile feedback. This technology aims not only to entertain but also to provide new ways of learning and communication, allowing people to explore and experience in innovative ways. The relevance of virtual reality experiences has grown exponentially in recent years, driven by technological advancements and increased accessibility, leading to its adoption across various industries, including entertainment, medicine, and education.
History: Virtual reality has its roots in the 1960s when Ivan Sutherland developed the first stereoscopic display system known as ‘The Sword of Damocles’. Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, technology advanced with the creation of more sophisticated devices and the introduction of terms like ‘virtual reality’ by Jaron Lanier. However, it was in the 2010s that VR began to gain massive popularity, thanks to improvements in hardware and software technology, as well as the arrival of accessible devices like Oculus Rift and HTC Vive.
Uses: Virtual reality experiences are used in various fields, including entertainment, education, medicine, and professional training. In entertainment, they are applied in video games and interactive experiences. In education, they allow simulations of historical or scientific environments. In medicine, they are used for exposure therapy and surgical training. In the professional realm, they are employed to train employees in high-risk situations or to simulate complex scenarios.
Examples: A notable example of a virtual reality experience is the game ‘Beat Saber’, which combines music and action in an immersive environment. In the educational field, platforms like ‘Google Expeditions’ allow students to explore historical and scientific places in 3D. In medicine, the use of virtual reality in phobia therapy has shown positive results, helping patients confront their fears in a controlled environment.
