Carter Duke
Writer
Virtual reality is one of the many advancements that has
made its way to the top in the world of technology.

According to the National Center for Biotechnology Infor-
mation, the first virtual reality items offered for purchase ap-
peared in the 1980s after the idea was thought of in the 1960s.

Along with its development over the years, there have been
many different opposing viewpoints on whether virtual reality
is good or bad for people.
Virtual reality can help people positively by having many
job simulators, for instance, the game “Wraith-VR Surgical
Simulation” allows people to realistically simulate surgeries.
On the downside, spending too much time gaming can lead
to an unhealthy lifestyle.
Sophomore Miguel Lara is one person that owns a virtual
reality headset and uses it pretty often.
“I have had virtual reality for four years now, and it has not
affected my life in the real world,” said Lara.
Lara enjoys many aspects of virtual reality, but two things
really stand out to him.
“I enjoy virtual reality because I get to talk to other people

and play scary games with my friends,” said Lara.

Junior Jackson Witt has also had some experience using vir-
tual reality.

Witt really enjoys the physical aspect of virtual reality be-
cause it allows him to get a workout and a chance to move

around, and it also does not have a negative effect on him.
“When I play, it is like cardio. It causes me to burn many
calories,” said Witt. “Other than a weird feeling after playing
for a while, it doesn’t affect me.”
History teacher Haleigh Elroy also owns a virtual reality
headset, the Oculus Quest 2,which she uses to help out during
her class.
“In the past, I have used virtual reality to supplement my
lesson plans in class. This is a positive thing. For example, I
allow students to take virtual field trips to places they would
not otherwise be able to visit,” said Elroy. “I have an Oculus
Quest two at home, also. Both my husband and I use the virtual
reality set for fitness,” said Elroy. “My husband frequently uses
the boxing game on the Quest two for cardio exercise. It feels
like you are really in the ring.”
Virtual reality has many benefits as well as many negative
qualities, but it will always be a recognizable invention.