This document discusses the potential impacts of virtual reality (VR) technology on society. It explores how VR is being used positively in the military for training and in medicine for treatment, but could also have negative consequences such as dehumanization. While still in development, VR has promising applications and may significantly change society, but also raises debates around its technical and social effects. The document analyzes VR's origins, current uses, and potential to both improve conditions and negatively impact society.

1. VIRTUAL REALITY: THE
DESTRUCTION OR
IMPROVEMENT OF SOCIETY?
BY JOHN LE
ENGLISH 102-59
3/25/2015

2. INTRODUCTION
• VR (virtual reality) technology is
rapidly growing
• Improvements may lead to societal
usage
• Can also result in negative
consequences
• Can benefit in important fields,
such as:
• Military
• Medical
• Entertainment
Oculus rift. www.allgamesbeta.com

3. ORIGINS & BACKGROUND INFORMATION
• Traced back to 1860s (with 360 degree art)
• VR defined as:
• “technology that enables users to enter computer generated worlds and
interface with them three dimensionally through sight, sound, and
touch" (Newquist 93).
• VR can recreate sensory experiences
• Also known as immersive multimedia and is very versatile.

4. VR IN THE MILITARY
• Used as a training
mechanism
• Allows for training without
consequences
• Reduces reset time and the
resources needed to train
• Results in more adaptable and
better armed forces
Training simulation with soldier.
Ispr.info

5. MEDICAL USES FOR VR
• Patient treatment
(therapeutic)
• Used to treat phobias, PTSD,
and other disorders
• Results in reduction in
symptoms
• Rehabilitation & Training
• Patients with injuries or no
motor abilities
• Faster and more effective staff
Doctors being taught with VR.
www.washingtonpost.com

6. ENTERTAINMENT WITH VR
• Gaming, film, and much more
• More realistic environments,
immersion, and interactive
• New dimension to
entertainment field
PlayStation 4 VR headset. www.gamespot.com

7. DEBATES AND CONTROVERSY
• Technical concerns
• Unknown factors
• Future consequences
• Dehumanization

8. CONCLUSION
• Still at infant stage, but improving
• Huge potential
• Can alter our society in massive ways
• Bright future for the technology

9. WORKS CITED
• "Essay on Benefits and Dangers of Virtual Reality." 123HelpMe.com. 05 Mar 2015
<http://www.123HelpMe.com/view.asp?id=11033>.
• Finley, Klint. "Virtual Reality Won't Just Amuse—It Will Heal Millions | WIRED." Wired.com. Conde Nast Digital, n.d. Web. 05 Mar. 2015. <http://www.wired.com/2015/03/virtual-reality-wont-
just-amuse-will-heal-millions/>.
• Newton, Casey, and Bryan Bishop. "How Virtual Reality Ate the Sundance Film Festival." The Verge. The Verge, 24 Jan. 2015. Web. 05 Mar. 2015.
<http://www.theverge.com/2015/1/24/7882339/sundance-film-festival-2015-virtual-reality>.
• Rothbaum, Barbara O., Albert “Skip” Rizzo, and Joann Difede. "Virtual Reality Exposure Therapy for Combat-related Posttraumatic Stress Disorder." Annals of the New York Academy of
Sciences 1208.1 (2010): 126-32. Web.
• Schijven, M. P., J. J. Jakimowicz, I. A. M. J. Broeders, and L. N. L. Tseng. "The Eindhoven Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy Training Course—improving Operating Room Performance Using Virtual
Reality Training: Results from the First E.A.E.S. Accredited Virtual Reality Trainings Curriculum."Surgical Endoscopy 19.9 (2005): 1220-226. Web.
• Stevens, Jane Ellen. "The Growing Reality of Virtual Reality." BioScience 45.7 (1995): 435. Web.
• "Virtual Reality and the Air Force." Virtual Reality and the Air Force Virtual Reality. N.p., n.d. Web. 05 Mar. 2015.
• Yarm, Mark. "7 Ways the Oculus Rift Could Change Entertainment as We Know It." Rolling Stone. Rolling Stone, 15 Apr. 2014. Web. 05 Mar. 2015.
<http://www.rollingstone.com/culture/news/7-ways-the-oculus-rift-could-change-entertainment-as-we-know-it-20140415>.
• http://ispr.info/2012/01/18/u-s-armys-virtual-reality-plan-a-digital-doppelganger-for-every-soldier/ (Image)
• http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/gallery/2010/11/04/GA2010110403687.html (Image)
• http://www.gamespot.com/articles/85-of-ps4-vr-headset-work-is-done-sony-says/1100-6422436/ (Image)