Virtual Reality

Human behavior is fascinating and will always be fascinating since it seems we can never know absolute truth. That’s what I found most interesting about the Professor’s study and presentation at Harvard. In terms of how we can control and modify behavior using virtual reality systems, I’m a bit wary. This reminds me a bit of Jared Lanier’s talk at Applications class last year. He’s adamant about using virtual reality to help foster empathy in children. He proposes we use it in classrooms for that reason. If we can’t foster empathy without physical tools, I’m not sure we can do it at all. I think we can do it (we do it already), but without external prompts. That’s the nature of empathy. It’s a leap. There are no bridges, in the form of virtual reality or not, to get there. I believe deep connection to others is a subtle feeling, not necessarily the work of your reflexes or highly analytical thought. In a meatier post, I’d reflect on the workings of memes and evolutionary psychology as regards to my suppositions.