Chapter 1: From Skepticism to Curiosity

Initially, I viewed virtual reality (VR) as merely an entertaining novelty. My exposure to the technology over recent years through articles and videos did little to sway my opinion. While I was intrigued by its growing popularity, I found myself unimpressed by what I observed.

For someone who has always enjoyed science fiction, witnessing a concept once confined to the pages of books manifest into a tangible reality was fascinating. Nevertheless, I struggled to comprehend how VR could possibly meet the towering expectations set by its most passionate advocates. Could it genuinely transform the internet? Could it change our world?

To me, VR seemed like a playful gadget—an enhancement for video games or a means to explore 360-degree views of captivating locations.

Last month, I finally decided to move beyond theoretical discussions and experience VR firsthand. Thankfully, the financial barrier has significantly decreased. Previously, consumer VR headsets commanded prices upwards of a thousand dollars, but that has changed dramatically. Nowadays, you can acquire a refurbished Quest 2 for just $250.

I anticipated that VR would simply be an enjoyable gaming experience, without expecting much beyond that. However, I was astounded by what I discovered.

Surprisingly, it was a VR table tennis game that truly opened my eyes to the technology's potential. One of the first games I purchased for my headset was "Eleven," a table tennis simulator that feels uncannily authentic.

Playing "Eleven" is akin to actual table tennis; my movements mirrored real-life actions, and the haptic feedback made every ball hit feel tangible. As I engaged with the game, I came to a realization: the skills developed in VR could translate back into reality. It’s a simple yet profound insight that I needed to experience to fully grasp. By playing VR table tennis, I found myself improving my real-world game.

What makes this revelation remarkable is that VR offers a more accessible means of skill enhancement compared to traditional methods. The entire VR setup was less expensive than a conventional table tennis setup, and it enables me to compete against real opponents or AI at any hour.

While excelling at table tennis may not be the world's most pressing concern, VR holds promise for far more significant real-world applications. For instance, allowing high school students to learn driving in a VR environment could enhance their skills before they ever get behind the wheel, ultimately saving lives. The potential extends to various fields of vocational training as well.

Predicting the future of technology is often a precarious endeavor, but I can't help but speculate. I believe VR will evolve into an even greater equalizer than the internet. Just as the internet disseminated knowledge globally, VR has the potential to share practical skills.

We might witness a swift enhancement in individuals' abilities across numerous domains—be it hobbies, essential life skills, or professional tasks. People will become more proficient in driving, dancing, and even performing surgeries.

Currently, the majority of VR users are primarily engaged in socializing and gaming, but this is bound to change. This technology is on the brink of becoming one of the most transformative educational tools ever created.

While VR may seem like a passing trend today, it remains in its early stages. Despite the lighthearted jokes surrounding the “metaverse,” I genuinely believe that by the end of this decade, VR will integrate into our lives as fundamentally as the traditional internet.

About Benya Clark: I’m a lawyer turned writer, focusing on sobriety and mental health. If you enjoyed this article, check out my newest project — a weekly newsletter of essays on sobriety.

Section 1.1: Exploring VR's Transformative Nature

VR's potential extends far beyond entertainment; it serves as a revolutionary platform for learning and skill development.

Chapter 2: Insights from VR Enthusiasts

In the first video, "Can Virtual Reality Change Your Mind?" Thong Nguyen explores the profound effects of VR on perception and learning.

The second video, "The Oculus Quest Completely Changed My Mind about VR," highlights personal experiences that shifted perspectives on virtual reality's potential.