A brand new analysis paper printed by Stanford VR researchers within the prime social science journal combs by way of many years of examine and suggests 5 floor truths concerning the medium.
The chart beneath from the paper in Nature Human Conduct outlines the implications for researchers and customers of key findings from many years of psychological analysis in VR.
Common readers might be conversant in a few of these concepts, however for these reaching this web page by way of a VR-initiated pal who despatched it to them? It is so much simply to understand the Meta Quest 3S at $300 and Imaginative and prescient Professional at $3500 are basically the identical core know-how – a VR headset – and they’re a part of a now-decades-long pattern steadily marching towards mainstream adoption.
The timeline from the paper embedded beneath outlines the journey because it pertains to VR analysis.

Beneath I’ve listed the implications for customers of the 5 key findings lined by the paper:
- “Select a headset with a particular objective in thoughts; exercise coaching apps have been notably profitable”
- “VR apps that place customers in avatars can affect one’s self-attitudes and habits over time”
- 2D content material could also be more practical than VR for schoolchildren, relying on the curriculum”
- “Perceive the privateness dangers round VR by studying the person settlement and remembering the gadget has many externally going through cameras”
- “Apps that require correct actions could also be difficult relying on the headset mannequin”
You may learn the total paper on Stanford’s web site, which additionally suggests a necessity for longitudinal work and examine of VR’s downsides.
What Is VR Used For?
The paper additionally makes use of the phrase “DICE” to assist keep in mind 4 classes of VR expertise “we primarily use VR for harmful, unimaginable, counterproductive or costly experiences that aren’t simple to implement in the actual world,” echoing a line from Jeremy Bailenson’s 2018 e-book “Expertise On Demand”.
“Coaching firefighters, rehabilitating stroke victims, studying artwork historical past through sculpture museums, and having a visceral, perceptual expertise of the Earth’s future to know local weather change, for instance, all match squarely in DICE,” the paper explains. “Alternatively, one doesn’t essentially must don a headset to examine electronic mail, watch tv and conduct normal workplace work. Such purposes work higher on 2D screens. By not placing such use instances needlessly into VR, society can keep away from a few of its challenges.”

It is a fascinating framing for fascinated about the distinction between going to VR since you wish to and going to VR as a result of you need to.
I take advantage of Quest 3 as a result of I simply play mini golf and meet with my coworker to speak concerning the future in entrance of tons of of individuals every week. I like to make use of my Imaginative and prescient Professional as a result of I can go to the moon to begin my day, and I can deliver up the earth as a tiny globe and zoom proper right down to avenue stage. The expertise is both downright unimaginable or at the very least too costly for the actual world. At that time, accessing my electronic mail and TV and work in VR too simply retains me on the moon for longer.
Should you’re desirous about diving deeper into why folks use VR, and what it is perhaps used for sooner or later, I like to recommend beginning with my write-up concerning the twins who keep related enjoying Walkabout Mini Golf and proceed on to the walkable Holodeck in Texas. And you’ll want to take a look at the VR Obtain on Thursdays the place we cowl the very newest.