Posts
 |
| Photo: Innovation Excellence |
However, the movie’s impact wasn’t confined to its entertainment value; the movie centered around metaphysical themes popularly attributed to Western philosophers Plato and Descartes, and reframed them in modern, digital fashion. For many, this was the first legitimate pop-culture representation of not just “virtual reality,” but the concept of full “virtual immersion.”
This isn’t to say that The Matrix was the first, or even the definitive, movie about virtual immersion. Ready Player One and Surrogate both offer their own takes on digital immersion with unique variation. However, there is almost always one constant in tales that explore the digital otherworldliness of an alternate existence, and that’s the focus on negative elements. Of course, the mechanics of a narrative inherently dictate that there must be conflict present somewhere in the yarn — but it’s worth keeping in mind that the idea of virtual immersion, as it creeps from ether to existence, will likely be a multifaceted experience with ups and downs.
The truth is that we’re going to have to become adept at navigating these experiences, because virtual immersion will likely permeate our lives sooner rather than later. That’s assuming our universe isn’t a simulation already!
What we do know for sure is that virtual reality is already here, and the world of “tele-everything” is also becoming more prevalently represented in academics and modern workforce the world over. The innovation and eventual union of these two technologies as they evolve will fundamentally change the human experience via the introduction of true virtual immersion...
Will “Virtual” Ever be as Good as “Reality”?
We’re currently at a crucial point in the evolution of virtual immersion, because we’re still in need of conviction — not over whether virtual presence and immersion is worth pursuing, but rather that it’s achievable by current standards. We have to ask ourselves, as good as “virtual” is, will it ever be as good as reality? When it comes to telepresence robots and online/distance education, that remains to be seen.
“Even in 100 percent online degree programs, there are some experiences that can’t be simulated,” write the experts at Regis. “For instance, seeking a bachelor’s degree in social work involves experiential learning elements, embedding pupils in workplace roles that give a practical look at the day-to-day requirements of social work.”
This type of virtual presence would need to combine telepresence with virtual reality, but would likely require haptic feedback and a more sensory experience than we are currently able to facilitate. A more simplistic example of this can be found looking at online shopping.
Read more...
Source: Innovation Excellence
