Our global environment is degrading vastly in front of our eyes. It must be noted that this is a vital part of today’s social injustices. Awareness of global warming deems to be one of the most vital parts of encouraging change and improvement for our future.
However, VR can transport us to these extremely realistic places- broadening the mind in terms of travel, culture, and geographical teachings. I believe that this is a huge distraction from the realities that surround us. Creating an artificial landscape is persuading the viewer what nature should and does look like. This brings a calm sense of settlement for the player as they believe that nature is accessible from the touch of a button (a VR headset). Although we are all physiologically aware that this is an artificial perception of reality it distracts us from looking beyond the screens to the truth and reality of global warming.
I feel this is distracting the narrative for younger generations as the horrifying truth is covered up by a virtual window. It is slowing down the awareness of reality and global extinction and preventing any mediation.
Within our project, we decided to create a futuristic world based on space and an artificially aesthetic environment. Despite this not teaching us about the issues of global warming this does not show an unrealistic perception of the world we see today. The world shows a futuristic purposely fictional environment that can broaden imaginations; instead of showing a glorified reality of our world and natural surroundings. As I look back on the project I feel that it could have been useful to use this platform as an opportunity to at least present a more educational sight on how we can help our present world – encouraging the player to look beyond the virtual reality and towards the outside world.