R3 – SOCIAL VR

The current uses of social VR are mostly focused on providing the richest virtual conversational environment possible. VR abilities in video chats will make communication much more affection and increases the level to which you are immersed in conversation. The key factor that makes VR a huge advantage in communication is the ability it has to demonstrate body language. Body language is a huge part of communication: 93% of all communication is non-verbal. The level of expressiveness in interactions with VR takes communication over technology to the next level. VR makes communication much more personal and lessens the levels of aggressiveness and impersonality common in online communication. Apparently in communications with VR avatars, people look the avatar of the person they are communicating with in the eyes, just like in real life. In virtual reality, the experience feels like direct and total participation and immersion. Social communication using VR is especially effective when having large conversations with multiple people, allowing every person to receive more equal attention.

Another use of social VR is that it has the potential to help groups of people understand something that does not yet exist – this potential has not yet been explored.

Elgan, Mike. “Why Virtual Reality Is the Next Social Network.” Computer World. http://www.computerworld.com/article/2999819/social-media/why-virtual-reality-is-the-next-social-network.html. 02 November 2015.

Mason, Will. “How Virtual Reality is Going to Humanize Social Media.” Upload. http://uploadvr.com/social-virtual-reality/. 05 April 2015.

Matney, Lucas. “AltspaceVR Social Platform Launches On Samsung Gear VR.” Tech Crunch. http://techcrunch.com/2016/02/04/altspacevr-social-platform-launches-on-samsung-gear-vr/. 04 February 2016.