Rethinking VR

Virtual Reality has long been imagined as an escape hatch—a portal to other worlds where we can leave reality behind. But maybe it’s time to rethink VR not as an exit, but as an extension. Instead of using it solely to immerse ourselves in fictional universes or simulate distant experiences, what if we used it to deepen our connection to the real world?

The true power of VR may not lie in creating fantasy, but in enhancing understanding. Imagine using VR to step into someone else’s shoes—experiencing their environment, their challenges, their perspective. It’s not just about entertainment; it’s about empathy.

In education, VR can take us into historical moments or inside the human body. In design, it allows us to prototype spaces before they’re built. In therapy, it can help people confront fears or heal from trauma in controlled environments. In collaboration, it can bring teams together across continents.

When we stop thinking of VR as an escape, we start unlocking its potential as a tool for clarity, connection, and creativity. The question isn’t “what can VR replace?” It’s “what can VR reveal?”

Let’s build virtual realities that make us better at living in the real one.