Virtual Reality: Looking Forward and Back

Where do we see virtual reality heading? This capstone project examines the rise and availability of virtual reality and how it is helping people beyond its initial purpose. The headset seems like something straight out of The Jetsons with futuristic technology that a decade ago would seem impossible. It brings people from the Internet together in one place with bodies to interact with, something beyond just a username and profile picture. It can bring users to a whole new world in the comfort of their own home. However as the technology advances, the users also become more clever in how they employ it. My interest in this technology is to educate people about the evolution of virtual reality technology, while examining how the how far this technology has grown as well as forming my own predictions about where this technology will be in the future. Within my research for this project alongside my previous studies in New Media I have been able to form a deeper understanding of what these headsets could do for people as well as illustrate how virtual reality as well as augmented reality are the technological modern day gold rush. This research will support and discuss both the positives and negatives this technology brings while being accompanied by my own thoughts and opinions. Regardless of what stance we take in the midst of technological progress one thing will remain a constant. Technology will progress, whether we like it or not. Understanding it will allow us to create informed opinions about where that progress should go.