Virtual Reality (VR) — once a far-off idea. Only found in the sci-fi reality of movies and games…Now used to impersonate Kermit online for jokes.
But what if VR can change how we interact socially, forever?
Admittedly VR’s offering of social capabilities has been limited. Most applications focused on simulated, solo gaming. With the looming of never-ending lockdown, people are finding new ways to meet. The latest being Steam’s “VRChat”.

What is VRChat?    

“VRChat” is a social media platform in a gaming environment. Still in early development, the game is available for most platforms. Despite being made for VR, the game is playable with or without a headset. Making it more accessible for a global user base. The application works with community creativity. They provide players with the ability to create their own characters and levels. But I believe calling “VRChat” a game is an understatement. It’s a social revolution.

Social media revolutionised?     

“VRChat” is about the users at its core. Community worlds, social events and user-made models. It is this last item, I believe, that could be a social revolution.

By letting users choose how they appear, “VRChat” calms anxieties in social interactions. Researcher Ju-Young M.Kang mentions a connection in their journal relating social anxiety to clothing.

” …(people) were likely to use clothing for its comfort.”.

It is also vital that the clothes one wears relax the wearer.This allows for more easy interactions with new people and situations. But, if we compare clothes to 3D models, could this anti-anxiety transfer to VR? It seems so. Instagram users engaged with an online research form uniquely created for this article. In the study, 66 percent experienced social media anxieties. With 100 percent agreeing that anonymity could help social VR conversations.

“It may give some a sense of freedom…not being labelled by their disability or their issues.” one shared.

More than likely, “VRChat” made this choice to add longevity to the game. By doing so, they have created the first patch in social media’s anti-anxiety blanket. The first of its kind.

Furthermore, “VRChat” could be a key to overcoming loneliness online. The cross-platform nature and low-fi graphics, enabling anybody’s computer to run the application. This allows a wealth of players from all over the world to socialise. In times of isolation, it helps make people feel not as alone. Even without human interaction, a community experience still is socialising after all. Experienced “VRChat” player Nagzz21 addressed the issue to Business Insider.

“I read so many comments…from people who have said the game has changed their lives. The friends they have met, the people that have helped them…Social VR is the future.”.

So, what does it all mean?  

Despite presented advancements, “VRChat” is nowhere near completion. Riddled with bugs and hate speech of current social media, the application has flaws. However, it will be interesting to watch the evolution of social VR and its furthering advancements.

One thing is for sure: V R only seeing the start.