03-31-2013 05:07 PM - last edited on 09-07-2023 03:44 PM by FunkyTanuki
In japan, there is a phenomenon of Hikikomori which is related to escapism and media useage where young people start to refuse to leave their home (or even their room), withdraw completely from social life and indulge in a virtual fantasy world via the extensive use of media like computer games or TV.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hikikomori
http://www.nytimes.com/2006/01/15/magaz ... d=all&_r=0
Since some time, I asked myself the question, how could the reemergence of VR via Oculus and other tech influence that phenomenon? I mean, a HMD could become the ideal tool for a Hikikomori Sufferer to "deactivate" the painfull external reality and completely indulge in his virtual dream world.
What do you think on that topic?
03-31-2013 07:54 PM
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05-10-2013 11:09 PM
"msat" wrote:
There's research claiming that VR can help with phobias and social anxiety. This is a big deal because it's something a LOT of people suffer from. However, for many of the hikikomori, the related schizoid personality disorder and those with autism/aspergers, social anxiety isn't always a significant factor in their mental issues. VR may provide another way for these people to interact with others, but it's not necessarily something that will specifically benefit them over, say, neurotypical people.