Virtual reality is a headset technology device that is based in a computer-generated environment.

It can be used for entertainment, but also for healthcare purposes.

For entertainment purposes, many use virtual reality to play video games. There’s a certain type of virtual reality for video games called the Meta Quest.

Medically, according to the National Institution of Health, virtual reality video games are effective tools to elicit positive emotions and to decrease negative emotions like anxiety. It can also help manage symptoms of depression and even chronic pain.

Virtual reality helps chronic pain by some of the exercises the game is giving the user. Since virtual reality can be used to game with your physical movements, it can reduce pain from exercises the game can give you.

WJPS teacher Mrs. Muenkwitz said, “From what I understand, VR is being used across many areas such as video gaming and science fields. While I am not sure the gaming VR has many positives, it seems the areas of medical training and therapies are very effective to both those being trained on them as well as patients who benefit from them.”

WJPS 11th grade student George Sfakianos said, “I think it’s definitely a cool invention, but it makes my head hurt when I have it on for too long.”

Photo Source: “Meta Quest 3S Display Unit” by WiiBoi is licensed under CC BY 4.0.