Virtual Reality Addiction
Unbelievable. That is what virtual reality can be like. With virtual reality, you have the potential to literally do or be anything. You can experience things you never thought possible in the real world. It is hard to believe the capabilities of a dimension that is only dependent on the designer’s imagination.
Virtual reality today is not like that of the book Ready Player One by Ernest Cline, but it still is an amazing experience. You can be completely surrounded by a virtual world that is intoxicating and exhilarating. You don’t have to go to an exotic island and pay hundreds of dollars for a snorkeling trip when you can pop on your headset and experience an underwater wonderland. You don’t have to take a class, get on a plane, then jump out of it at 12,000 feet to skydive. You can do that through virtual reality. Sure you don’t get the same experience of those activities, but it could be a great option if you don’t have the cash or time on hand.
When we want to experience something dangerous without the fears of physical pain, virtual reality can be an easy place to turn. You can experience exciting activities in the real world, but there is always the risk of physical harm. But not with virtual reality. We can experience spectacular things visually with no fear of physically getting hurt. Virtual reality can be a safe way to be adventurous. You can play games where you are fighting off zombies or battling monsters with only a sword and your wits. You can take risks you would never take in real life thanks to the safety of virtual reality. It can offer an exciting substitute for real life. It can also be a safe place to find self-confidence.
Life is hard when we lack self-esteem. If we don’t like who we are or something about us, it’s hard to hide that in real life. If we don’t like the way we look, it can be hard to deal with that when we are around others. We are worried others will be mean and judge us. But when we are online with virtual reality, we can create the image we want others to see. Our avatar can be a jacked warrior who is fearless and brave. Or a fair sorcerer who is as wise as she is beautiful. You can present the best version of yourself online with no fear of rejection because you believe in your avatar. You feel you are not awesome, but your avatar is!
Virtual reality is something that completely transports you out of whatever mess of a life you think you have and gives you freedom. But when we choose to ignore our life challenges and escape online repeatedly, we become dependent on that activity for happiness. We lose our sense of independence and resiliency. Imagine there is a fire in your house. You don’t see the fire just hear the fire alarm going off. Rather than addressing the issue, you put on your noise canceling headphones and carry on about your day. Even though you ignored the problem, the fire is still coming. And if you don’t face reality, you could get burned.
You don’t have to use virtual reality to escape from life’s challenges. You don’t have to only have a good time through online means. You can learn positive ways to address the problems in your life. You can increase your self-confidence and like who you are in real life. You can find happiness and excitement in real life rather than only through a virtual world. You can escape from the grips of virtual reality. Call Jeremy to set up a counseling appointment and start to find your freedom.
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