Homo digitalis
virtual reality in health care and education
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.23925/1984-4840.2021v23i3/4a8Keywords:
empathy, educational technology, virtual realityAbstract
Homo digitalis refers to the man modified by technology. Virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality allow us to see the world from the perspective of others, being called the “empathy machine”. VR can be used in psychiatry and medical education to promote empathy. A narrative review was conducted on the Medline and Embase platforms, Google Scholar, article reference lists, and technology websites. Articles in English and French were selected, with no time limits for the search. A review of 66 references demonstrated that VR could generate positive cognitive, emotional, and behavioral changes, especially in relation to individuals from different groups. Immersive narratives with VR facilitate empathic understanding, putting the user in the perspective of another person. VR is also associated with applied games and functional brain activity studies, indicating potential to generate positive behavioral changes. Larger studies and clinical trials are needed to validate outcome effectiveness and ensure safe and ethical use of the technology. The review demonstrated
promising results and an optimistic view of VR as a tool for generating empathy and promoting mental well-being.
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