Uses and trends

Online communities have already formed through video game communities, and VR is just another platform for this to take place. Within Virtual Reality environments, players can now interact more freely with one another due to their free range of motion and, in some games, proximity based communications. These digital relationships could also very easily flow into the real world as easily as it has in the past.

Nevertheless, it’s scary meeting someone in VR for the first time. There’s no user name to hide behind. And even though your avatar isn’t really your own body, there’s a distinct sense that you’re exposed to others and must put your best virtual foot forward (much like real life). Conversations are verbal, not typed, so you don’t have the luxury of a backspace key or taking your time when you respond. It’s a virtual world, but it’s real-time.

-Strange, 2017

disruptive impact

There will not be a powerful disruption in digital relationships due to virtual reality technology. As stated before, VR environments will just be another place for people to gather online. Just because the setting is a VR game or chat room will not change how people typically interact online. People are still likely to create friendships that could last for the duration of a game or for years to come, just like how things have always been.

predictions

While the VR environment will certainly add a few new and interesting mechanics to online relationships, this technology is not expected to disrupt the way in which people interact with one another virtually or in face-to-face situations.

Just a father and son, using VR headsets, while waiting for their Tesla to charge. from virtualreality