Can we float our brains in a virtual space?
Title: Roles Born from Life in Virtual Reality
Introduction
Reading the "Social VR Lifestyle Survey 2023" made me think about the possibilities that virtual reality (VR) brings to our lives. This report sheds light on the potential of VR and its impact on our daily lives. In particular, I focused on how the "alternative reality" provided by VR can be useful for people with physical limitations, such as those who are bedridden.
*Cerebrospinal fluid hypovolemia is a condition where symptoms worsen significantly unless one is in a lying position, such as having difficulty maintaining clear consciousness, though standing itself is often possible. It is just that one must endure the pain.
A New Lifestyle with VR
VR is being utilized in various fields, from socializing to work and education. According to the report, users are realizing their desired identities and participating in new forms of community through VR. This could be a great source of hope for those who want to overcome physical limitations... or so I would like to say, but perhaps the excitement has been lacking a bit lately.
I hope it will create a synergistic effect when combined with AI.
Cerebrospinal Fluid Hypovolemia and VR
Cerebrospinal fluid hypovolemia is a disease that forces a long-term bedridden lifestyle. However, by utilizing VR technology, people with this condition can continue to stay connected to society while lying down at home. VR meetings, event participation, and even remote work via VR could bring about a major transformation in their lives.
There was news like this in 2018, as shown below.
I remember being very surprised at the time and wanted to go to N High School.
If it were now, I think a better school life could have been experienced by basing it on VR.
An experiment where an "avatar" of oneself attends class via a remote-controlled robot was conducted at N High School, operated by the Kadokawa Dwango Gakuen school corporation. We covered the situation.
The person operating it is Miki Mori (16), a second-year student at N High School. Because she has "cerebrospinal fluid hypovolemia," a condition where cerebrospinal fluid leaks out, commuting to school places a heavy burden on her body.
When symptoms appear, she is struck by severe headaches, dizziness, ringing in the ears, and fatigue, and she needs to be in a place where she can lie down immediately. Symptoms began to appear gradually in the third grade of elementary school, and by the upper grades, commuting to school became difficult. Even though she wanted to go to school, she spent days in middle school unable to do so.
Since the number of days of attendance can affect credits, she chose the correspondence-based N High School for high school. Miki, who loves reading and has even written novels, is working hard in a course at N High School aimed at top-tier universities.
This time, she participated in a demonstration experiment to attend class from home using a remote-controlled robot. The robot is operated from a PC. The operation screen displays a guide for the direction to move, allowing her to move freely around the classroom.
The class we covered on this day was a presentation of projects compiled by each group. Miki was in charge of the presentation. She can also convey her facial expressions and gestures through a monitor. She was able to finish the presentation perfectly even from a remote location. Miki says this:
"It feels like I am properly going to school and living a school life. It is fun to be able to participate in class as a member of the students."
Inclusivity in the Metaverse
The report suggests that VR contributes to social inclusion. While it is 3% in Japan, people with physical limitations, who make up 24% in the United States, can act freely within VR and are liberated from restrictions based on appearance or physical ability. This can be called a step toward realizing a new form of equality and diversity.
The fact that Japan is still low also offers hope in terms of room for growth.
There is someone with the same illness as me who is active under the name Nozomi Hoshino.
She is a very positive person and, true to her name, continues to create hope.
If living in VR becomes common, it will surely lead to a life where hope is the norm.
"Nice to meet you. I am Nozomi Hoshino, a composer, bedridden pianist, and calligrapher. I developed cerebrospinal fluid hypovolemia following an accident a few years ago, and I currently live a bedridden life 24 hours a day."
Challenges and Future Prospects of VR
However, there are still challenges remaining for VR technology. For example, eye strain from long-term use is likely even for healthy people, but it is not designed with the assumption of being bedridden, and it consumes a considerable amount of physical energy.
As those who have tried it know, it will require getting used to, but I would like to see designs that assume wearing it while lying down move forward in the first place.
I hope that these challenges will be overcome in the future so that more people can enjoy the benefits of VR.
Economic issues
In a capitalist economy, population growth promotes economic growth. I believe this principle also applies to the world of VR. Moreover, there is basically no need to worry about resource conflicts.
I believe that the circulation of currency within VR is essential for the expansion of the VR market. This will serve as a wedge to promote economic activity within VR and create new markets.
Since we have Nem-san, who serves as an international banner, why not use NEM?
Conclusion
The "Social VR Lifestyle Survey 2023" shows the potential for VR to revolutionize our lives. In particular, for people with physical limitations, VR can be a new source of hope. The future of the metaverse that lies before us is full of possibilities that transcend limits.
I wrote this article as an entry for a project by Virtual Bishoujo Nem.
[Until 1/20] Let's think about "How to live in virtual reality" note submission project [VR Lifestyle Survey] | Virtual Bishoujo Nem/Nem⚡Metaverse Culture Evangelist
May living in a virtual world become the norm soon.
Oh God, oh Buddha, oh Nem-sama.