Virtual reality is coming in fast, almost catching the world off guard. But many of today’s major market players, like Facebook, (ahem, Meta) are developing their own virtual reality worlds hoping to take the next step into the existential revolution known as the Metaverse.
Called the ‘second life’ – the first being the real world – the Metaverse concept begs one pivotal question – can VR replace our reality?
Answering the question is not as straightforward as you might think. Given that the Metaverse is not yet fully developed, nor put into practice, the extent to which it might replace our physical world cannot be yet foreseen, though a certain change is bound to take place.
Within a VR setting, just about anyone will be able to do just about anything. But then, there’s the realization that the faster we immerse ourselves in this made-up world, the easier we’ll leave the real one behind.
But, what will the real world look like at the hands of VR and what can we expect in the ever-altering process?
Wonder no more – let’s delve deep into the idea of VR replacing our reality, and what’s at hand if it turns out to be so.
Defining Virtual Reality: It’s Not Just a Gaming Thing Anymore
As a more than a palpable concept, VR creates a parallel online realm where Metversers can have a taste of the new era of functioning as a species. Some call it a blessing in disguise and others – an existential peril. Yes, virtual reality substitutes actual living, though the concept has, thus far, been seen only in the sphere of gaming.
VR glasses and headsets are taking on a greater role in being one’s eyes and ears in the new world, having initially been designed for gaming purposes alone.
Once gaming and tech moguls saw the opportunity to rely on Virtual Reality as a viable futuristic concept, it became more than clear that the transformation is happening. And, as announced, Meta will become the first platform to have its shot at presenting the second-reality world before its users – and testing its waters.
This new reality allows users to lead their dream lives – interact with people more openly, experience worldly happenings, create businesses, attend events – and basically do everything your average Joe does in their real life.
And now, for the factors that might be detrimental in the move from real life to the VR realm.
VR Aims to Replace Sounds and Sight
Sight and sound will likely be the initial aspects replaced by the VR system.
Precisely, in terms of going VR, the two main concepts that will change include the screen resolution as we know it – and the screen refresh rate.
Nowadays, VR glasses come boasting a huge screen resolution and a solid screen refresh rate which aims to deliver life-like motion to users. A historical move in the tech game, some call it, replacing real-life vision with equally genuine VR enhancements will most definitely be deemed the first radical tech move of its kind.
When it comes to VR replacing sounds, it is worth noting that, up until now, all VR sets have been equipped with high-quality speakers that deliver a real-like user experience. So, replacing real sounds might not be as hard or as unfamiliar of a challenge to achieve. Plus, sound can be replaced easier than visuals, mostly due to the high-quality headphones used in gaming thus far.
Now, sound makes a fickle mistress, and unless integrated rightfully and realistically, users will end up less than satisfied with the transition. Yet, when and if incorporated aptly, VR tech can replace sounds to such an extent that leaves users unable to tell the difference between reality and the realm.
Why Virtual Reality Can Never Fully Replace Reality
As advanced and revolutionary as VR and the Metaverse may be, the bottom line is – not all aspects of real human existence can be translated to a VR setting.
So, for the time being, VR will only really affect users on occasions when they interact with others, work online, and socialize.
Although Virtual Reality has been created as a form of ‘escape’ from the real world, the actuality is, VR will never be able to replace feelings, experiences, senses, and impressions. And whilst reality cannot be entirely replaced by the latest technology, it will undoubtedly alternate the world we live in – and its importance.
On the flip side, VR as part of the Metaverse ensures there will be quite a few alleviations concerning human living.
Purchasing products, having them delivered at home, and ‘meeting’ friends at concerts or events are just the tip of the iceberg of what the new and improved VR realm will pay the most attention to.
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