5 | How Does Virtual Reality Socially Impact Us?
Although VR is an exciting concept it does have its disadvantages. The first impact is of a user’s private experience with VR, that is, their experience when they are alone. One concern that Koltvo-Rivera mentions are aggressive impulses, it questions whether violent or aggressive scenarios in VR affects a person in real life. According to Koltvo-Rivera and research, violence in entertainment media is associated with the increase in aggression and violent behaviour, both immediately and in long-term. Another concern involves sexual impulses. Just like people use the Internet to fulfil sexual needs, Koltvo-Rivera points out the use of VR as an alternative. He argues that it may deteriorate real life relationships as the person may expect higher standards from their partner. Subsequently, home and family is another impact. VR has the power to recreate human life without the responsibilities of commitment and real world problems. But then again it may be a solution to ‘letting off a little steam’. Finally, religion and spirituality, VR makes it possible to either engage in the act of worshipping or become the embodiment of a god. This poses a worry, will people try a different religion in VR? Will people convert more easily? If so, how does this affect religious traditions?
