Risks & Concerns of VR

Every invention, innovation, and emerging technology has the potential to be used for great societal value, but on the flip side has the real potential for negative consequences.  Social media, artificial intelligence, bio-technology, robotics, and of course virtual/augmented reality all have their pros and cons as they are more widely adopted into society at large.

At Exponential Destiny, we do not consider ourselves “pro” Metaverse, or even VR/AR.  Instead, we think of ourselves as researchers and even pioneers into what we strongly believe is the powerful potential of “immersive and experiential” methods of learning that tend to show exponential improvements in helping teach empathy, awareness, and education on important topics and causes for our society.  We have observed first-hand the ability for a school, even a low-income under-resourced school, use this new tool as a highly effective educational capability.  We think it is going to play a significant role in the future of education.  We feel it may compliment more traditional forms of classroom learning (not replace), and we are not advocating nor feel it would beneficial for students to spend most of their school day (or lives) in VR headsets. Moderation.

To this end, we are also aware that ”life-like” simulations in VR/AR, that are getting more advanced with every 6-month software/hardware release, is going to inevitably create new concerns and ”digital addictions” that may lead to isolationism, escapism, among other cognitive and mental issues, particularly in vulnerable youth.  There are also concerns on how this new medium will protect the privacy (or abuse) personal information and data of its users, in addition to cognitive development and coordinate for really young children below the age of 10.

To this end, we attempt to act responsibly and build awareness around these risks when we engage with our stakeholders on projects. Also, until there is more data, we only work with age-appropriate learners (e.g., above 12 years old and typically high school age or older). We focus on the upside of this powerful technology, while remaining acutely aware that “with great power comes great responsibility”.