Virtual Reality

In the 21st Century we, as humans, rely on computer technology in everyday life. Computers and interfaces are used on a day-to-day basis all over the world, whether it be sending an instant message, browsing the internet or simply making a phone call.
Technology has now gone a step further with the introduction of ‘virtual reality’. Virtual reality is an artificial environment that is created with software and presented to the user in such a way that the user suspends belief and accepts it as a real environment.
The Centre for Advanced Visualization and Interaction (CAVI) is an organisation with the “objective to do research and support education concerning new visualisation and interaction techniques.”. On the CAVI website ( http://www.cavi.dk/index.php ) I came across a lot of very useful and intriguing information on virtual reality and new technologies. Such technologies have become extremely vital for training purposes in complex surgical procedures, such as open heart surgery and brain surgery as you can see from the following video http://www.cavi.dk/projects/surgical_simulation.php
By utilising the fact that virtual reality is just that, virtual, trainee doctors can practice risky surgical procedures without endangering a single person.
Virtual reality could also in the future play a huge role within the military. In the government's perspective use of virtual reality it is easy to see how this technology proves useful. Supposing a war broke out, by using virtual reality pilots instead of real pilots the number of casualties would obviously be less. Pilots would fly their aircraft from a remote location via video and audio equipment in the form of virtual reality. As technology increases over the next several years, it will become easier and easier for the pilots to fly planes from a remote location.
However, despite all the lives this may save there is a down side. The down side being that perhaps this will stimulate the government to react more easily in a violent way. Without any loss of lives the only thing the government has to lose by attacking are the cost of planes. In my opinion it is obvious that virtual reality comes with huge benefits, however it also has its obvious social disadvantages. Just like the computing age has hackers, the virtual age will have it's own high-tech delinquents. You can't prevent technology from being abused. There will be those who use virtual reality rudely, stupidly, dangerously--just as they do the telephone or computer. Like the telephone and the modem, its popular rise will also eliminate the need for certain fundamental kinds of human contact, even as it enhances our ability to communicate.
Virtual reality has the potential, if used correctly, to become a great technological advancement that will aid society in many ways.