As questionable as it may seem, virtual reality actually has numerous positive neurological effects, which is why it is viable to use in schools and companies. The world of virtual reality is growing, and technologists are discovering more ways to make users’ experiences more immersive. Current virtual reality technology uses the senses of sight, hearing, and touch to an extent, and possibly in the future, scent and taste will be implemented. The Japanese company, Vaqso, is working on a device which is attachable to the Oculus Rift. This device will allow users to smell scents that correlate to their experiences (Cakebread). Studies also show that all five senses, mostly smell, are connected to memory. When scents are smelled, they trigger
Since smell and memory are related, the invention made by Vaqso can have other uses besides matching smells to actions in games such as helping those with memory loss by having them smell scents that might have been familiar to them in the past. The senses of sight and hearing also have a large impact on retention as well. Because of how the brain functions, anything picked up by the senses is stored in sensory memory for a short amount of time, then only some of that information is transferred to working memory, where information is processed. Lastly, if the information gathered is determined to be interesting, it will be stored in long term memory. This is justified in that people only retain 10% to 30% of the information they read. When virtual reality exposes users to an immersive experience, it sends both visual and auditory signals to the brain, which means that the chance of having the information stored in long term memory is increased (“How Can Virtual Reality”). If virtual reality was implemented in schools and companies, students and workers will be able to retain more information due to the memorable experiences that virtual reality brings to the
A majority of areas of study in the medical field can be very risky, specifically in surgery. It is very pressuring for a surgeon with little experience performing their first operation on a living human being knowing that one little mistake can cost a life. Fortunately, virtual reality can be utilized in this situation for training future doctors without the risk of harming lives. Fundamental VR created a device shaped like a stylus, which acts as a syringe in a medical training program. Built-in technology also simulates the resistance of injecting a needle into a person’s knee (Best). This creates a more authentic experience because the trainee can feel what would be a knee instead of injecting air. In a London hospital, Professor Shafi Ahmed removed a bowel tumor with the help of doctors in Mumbai and Atlanta through a pair of virtual reality glasses. Some features allowed the doctors to bring up the patient’s record through pop up screens that could float in midair (“Can Virtual Reality”). This also indicates that virtual reality is also a form of social media because people around the world can come together and share their thoughts and advice. Aside from using virtual reality as a way to train and make performing surgery more efficient, it is being used in the form of rehabilitation. In an interview with Todd Richmond, the Director of the Mixed Reality Lab at USC, he is asked