Blurring the Line Between Virtual and Reality
If you believed that your children were safe while playing multi-player games through VR headsets in their own bedrooms, you might want to take a seat and read this.
Dr. Ausma Bernot from Griffith University collaborated with researchers from Monash University, Charles Sturt University, and University of Technology Sydney to investigate what is known as ‘metacrime’ – attacks, crimes, or inappropriate activities that take place in virtual reality environments.
The ‘metaverse’ is the virtual world where VR headset users can select an avatar to represent themselves as they engage with other users’ avatars or navigate through other 3D digital spaces.
While the metaverse can be utilized for various purposes such as meetings (where it feels like you are in the same room as other people’s avatars instead of just seeing them on a screen) or exploring national parks worldwide without leaving your home, gaming remains its most popular application.
Dr. Bernot noted that the technology has advanced rapidly.
“Using this technology is extremely enjoyable and provides a truly immersive experience,” she stated.
