Janet vd Berg

Janet van den Berg
25216512

Activity 1
What distinguishes Virtual Reality form other technologies.

In order to distinguish Virtual Reality from other technologies, one should take into account the degree of the virtual experience offered by Virtual Reality. It is indeed true that other technologies or forms of communication also immerse us and take us into ‘cyberspace’, caters for human and computer interaction or supplies us with intense information. Yet, what distinguishes virtual reality from these can be considered the way in which this advanced form of technology incorporates all three the ‘I’s’ (immersion, interaction, information) in one virtual experience.

Virtual reality is an immersive and interactive technology that feeds its participant information that is constantly updated. According to Michael Heim (1993:109), the essence of virtual reality does not lie in its technology, but in Virtual Reality as an art. Virtual reality is the art of transformation that ultimately changes our understanding of what reality is. It is an art of the highest class that convinces the participant that he/she is in truth in another place. It alternates the participant’s sensory input with information that is supplied by a computer system that ultimately has the ability to manipulate the senses into experiencing another reality.

Heims (1993:109) also defines Virtual reality as being real in effect, but not in fact. The putting on of goggles and gloves when participating in a virtual experience make it possible for the participant to be physically affected by the virtual reality that he/she enters. All the senses are engaged which makes the experience more real than any other for of technology. One literally feels transported to another place, even though in fact it is all fiction.

Virtual Reality seems to be a technology that, like no other, has made it possible for us to go beyond our physical boundaries. It is a technology in which the body seems to play no part. It attempts, and succeeds, in creating the separation between mind and body. This high level of immersion is very important in separating Virtual Reality from other technologies. Immersion does not become a method to escape, but rather to engage in a new reality.