Navigating VR: Addressing Harassment and Accessibility Challenges
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Chapter 1: The Evolution of VR Headsets
The excitement surrounding VR headsets is palpable, yet several factors hinder widespread adoption.
In late 2019, I acquired my first headset, fueled by enthusiasm after trying a demo at Micro Center a year earlier. With the Oculus becoming more accessible without breaking the bank, I eagerly anticipated diving in. While I do enjoy occasional sessions of Beat Saber, I notice that the VR landscape appears relatively stagnant since 2019. Although there are more games now, the market still feels sparse.
At present, two primary challenges are obstructing the popularization of VR that go beyond the price of headsets or the variety of available games. One significant issue is the difficulty in safeguarding users from harassment in virtual environments.
Section 1.1: The Harassment Dilemma in Social VR
A 2020 article by The Next Web highlighted the persistent problem of harassment in social VR settings, which, unfortunately, did not surprise me. Malicious individuals often exploit new technologies to perpetrate toxic behavior. The authors discussed the struggles designers face in establishing social norms, but I felt this approach fell short. Their insights into the virtual equivalents of personal, social, and public spaces were valuable, yet insufficient for creating safe environments.
For social VR platforms to achieve mainstream acceptance, it is vital to implement stronger protective measures for users. Features like simple reporting and blocking are merely reactive solutions, addressing problems after they arise.
Subsection 1.1.1: Proactive Measures for User Safety
To enhance safety in social VR, we could consider user ratings similar to those on the Whisper app. This could help individuals avoid those with troubling feedback. While this might complicate spontaneous interactions, requiring approval before users can communicate would offer a layer of security against harassment.
Reflecting on my experiences in online communities during the dial-up era, I recognize that while the internet facilitated many meaningful connections, it also exposed the darker side of anonymity.
Section 1.2: Accessibility Issues in VR
Beyond creating harmonious environments, VR must also prioritize accessibility. The challenges in making VR inclusive extend beyond merely providing alt text. Honestly, I am unsure how to make VR universally accessible, given that it necessitates decent vision and encourages physical movement.
Companies like Microsoft and Unity are making strides to enhance their technologies for individuals with visual impairments, but significant challenges remain. Oculus is improving its controller-free hand-tracking capabilities, which could benefit users who struggle with traditional controllers.
Chapter 2: The Current State of the VR Industry
The first video discusses the ongoing challenges in VR, focusing on the bugs that still need addressing to improve user experience.
The second video highlights a major update in a VR game, showcasing the potential for growth and improvement in the industry.
Despite the optimism surrounding VR, growth has not met initial expectations. Scientific American projected the VR industry would reach $40 billion in 2020, yet Grand View Research valued it at about $15.71 billion in 2021. They predict an 18% growth by 2028, but this still falls short of earlier forecasts.
On a personal note, I hope developers will prioritize resolving issues related to accessibility and harassment. I genuinely want to see a wider array of VR games, platforms, and experiences. The technology holds immense promise, but it still requires refinement.