Virtual Reality (VR) is transcending its origins in gaming to become a tool for therapy and education. Liam O’Connor explores how VR is being used to treat conditions like PTSD, phobias, and chronic pain by immersing patients in controlled environments that can simulate real-life scenarios or provide new perspectives. He discusses the psychological and physiological benefits of these treatments.
In education, O’Connor details how VR classrooms are allowing students to explore subjects like history or science in immersive, interactive ways that traditional teaching can’t match. He provides examples of VR field trips to ancient civilizations or inside the human body, showing how this technology can enhance learning by making it experiential.
The article also addresses the barriers to widespread adoption, including cost, accessibility, and the need for content that’s both educational and engaging. O’Connor speculates on the future, where VR might become as common in schools and hospitals as it is in homes for entertainment, potentially revolutionizing how we learn and heal.
