Virtual reality is everywhere - but is it worth it?

Virtual reality headsets such as Oculus Rift, Gear VR and PlayStation VR are all the rage – but is virtual reality a boon or bane?

View this post on Instagram

Oculus gear vr #oculus #oculusgear #oculusgo #oculusvr #vr #virtualreality #vrheadset #virtualrealityheadset #oculusheadset #oculusvirtualreality #oculusrift #tech#technews #gadgets

A post shared by @ techwhylogy on Jul 5, 2018 at 9:26am PDT

When Virtuality launched a multiplayer VR entertainment system in the United States, it cost a whopping sum of money – almost £50,000 per system to be exact. Thanks to the rapid advancement of technology, virtual reality devices have become very popular and are now available at affordable prices.

Virtual reality is an immersive technology which carries you to a 3D world where you can experience the adventures of games and extreme thrills in an imaginary way.

View this post on Instagram

Virtual Reality in action 😜💪#threesixtymediasolutions #threesixtygraz #vrjunkies #vrexperts #htcvive #virtualreality #virtualrealityheadset #vr #vr360 #vrgraz #spaßmusssein

A post shared by Virtual Reality Solutions (@threesixtymediasolutions) on May 17, 2018 at 4:59am PDT

Today, VR can be used for various purposes such as defence, scientific study, design, communication and education.

VR is still a fairly new concept but this technology is developing at a fast pace and is being used for a number of things like experiencing the excitement by wearing VR goggles to watch gigs from the front row and to enjoy 360-degree gaming.

View this post on Instagram

Watch robot bounty hunters @brucegreene4 and @adamkovic blast aliens at the edge of the galaxy in Gunheart, streaming now on our Facebook page.

A post shared by Oculus Rift (@oculusrift) on Sep 28, 2017 at 3:00pm PDT

Nonetheless, the most effective and beneficial use of virtual reality is in healthcare where it can be used to treat phobias such as overcoming a fear of heights and phantom-limb syndrome.

Virtual reality will lead to a number of key changes in human life and movement. It will be assimilated into everyday life and will be used in various ways.

As we spend more and more time in virtual environments, there will be significant amendments in culture, economics and worldview.

Despite its advantages, there have been a number of undesirable signs after virtual reality was used for too long, although most VR systems come with consumer warnings.

Of late, there have been growing concerns that with the arrival of VR some users may develop an obsessive relationship with virtual reality products which may lead to certain illnesses and have an adverse effect on a person’s mind and body.

Technology companies warn that people should stop using the Gear VR right away if they feel inattentive, have nausea or experience seizures.

Virtual reality is currently limited to a user's visual and hearing senses, but this will probably be enhanced in the future and VR could ultimately affect all of the senses. The next step in virtual reality is improving the connection between the virtual world and the physical world with newest touch sensors and while it may take some time, VR hardware and software companies are already considering how this technology can go from immersive to fully interactive.

Featured image: betto rodrigues / Shutterstock.com