With virtual reality on the rise, it seems like more and more people are engaging in the technology. Although VR is still relatively in its infancy, it seems poised to transform the way we communicate and interact with each other and our environments.
According to pop culture, virtual reality is the Next Big Thing, and it will dominate every facet of our lives. While we’re pragmatic enough to know that’s not the case, we did have a thought – is it possible to spend days or weeks inside VR? Obviously, the technology can’t handle physical needs like bathroom breaks and food. However, with everything else available in the metaverse, from games to unique environments to VR porn videos, is it possible?
Let’s find out, shall we?
First, Let’s Address the Basics
Let’s say we were going to set up an experiment where someone will spend one week inside a VR headset. They’ll be immersed in a virtual environment from sunup to sundown, and they may even sleep with the headset on, although that likely won’t be necessary.
For this to happen, we’ll need to address specific issues like:
- Food and Water – As realistic as these elements may be rendered in VR, they don’t provide nourishment and nutrients. However, it may be possible to serve physical food to a person and have them experience the meal in virtual reality. Alternatively, we could potentially hook the subject up to a drip IV that can provide all the nutrients and hydration needed to last a whole week.
- Comfort – Wearing a VR headset works well for a couple of hours, but how would it feel if you’re wearing it all day, every day? For this case study, we’d need to build a more comfortable headset that doesn’t create pressure points or put too much weight on the head. Our subject needs to be able to move freely without getting sore.
- Bathroom Breaks – No matter how our subject is getting hydrated and fed, they’ll need to use the bathroom from time to time. Depending on what the person may be doing, we could potentially recreate a physical environment in a virtual setting. Alternatively, users could have cameras in their headsets to see where they’re going.
Next, Let’s Dive Into the Psychology of Constant VR
Technically speaking, our brains are used to processing and interpreting a constant stream of information. Everything we see, touch, and hear gets turned into electrical signals, and our brain handles the rest.
However, since our brains are used to the real world, how would they handle a virtual environment for prolonged periods? In this case, the primary obstacle would be matching one’s physical movement to what they’re seeing on screen.
In case you weren’t aware, VR nausea is a real thing that affects many users. This nausea happens because the body stays relatively stationary while the VR headset shows different environments and situations. For example, if you’re falling in a VR game, you may get nauseous because your body doesn’t feel what the brain is seeing.
So, to prevent that disconnect, users would need to either tone down their VR habits or spend their time in a physical location that could accommodate the tasks they’re doing in virtual reality. For example, if you’re driving a car, you would need to either be in a real car (with a secondary driver) or something that simulates the real thing.
Finally, What Would You Do?
While there are obvious hobbies and tasks (i.e., visiting sites like SexLikeReal), users would also have to engage in other activities like going to work or sitting on the couch.
The main benefit of spending so much time in VR is that you can change your location on a whim. For example, if you don’t want to sit and relax at home, you could swap your apartment for an Italian villa or jungle landscape. The possibilities are endless, so you shouldn’t feel bored, at least not for long.
So, What’s the Answer?
Realistically, while it’s possible for someone to spend days in VR, doing so would require extra support and technology. If you’re doing it solo, you need to map out your location or use a front-facing camera to see where you’re going. Then, your options may be limited to avoid extreme nausea. However, as you use VR more often, the nausea goes away, so that may not be a long-term issue.
Overall, while some VR enthusiasts may choose to spend most of their time in the metaverse, most people will see it as too much work. But, we’ll see what the future holds.