VR horror is designed to help people overcome their fear
Cambridge researchers have created a VR horror game to help people learn to manage their fear. Certain breathing techniques should help in the fight against virtual monsters.
Rapid advances in technology open up numerous possibilities for people. Because we can use technical innovations to solve personal problems. An interesting approach is now from Cambridge. Because a VR headset may soon help combat anxiety.
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VR horror game aims to release fear through breathing
But how can a virtual experience help fight anxiety? The Cambridge researchers hope a new virtual reality game that intentionally scares the user can help people cope with anxiety.
Your gaming experience consists of two completely different parts. The first part is primarily about training a certain breathing technique to control the heartbeat. In the second part, pure horror is in the foreground.
From meditation to VR horror
Players put on the VR headset and see a calming and relaxing landscape. They are on a boat, slowly drifting into the sunset. A voice in the background tells the players their breathing rate. You take a deep breath in and out, deep in and out.
As users get the hang of it, the game’s environment changes. Then they are in a dark room and a monster is there with them. The trick here is that it can only “see” the character of the players when the heart rate increases.
So the practice in the first part of the game is the key, because if the player breathes controlled and calmly, he wins against the monster. On the other hand, if he’s panicking, it’s getting closer and closer.
Breathing techniques can reduce stress in everyday life
The researchers do not intend to replace regular therapy with the VR horror game. Rather, the approach should help anxious people to focus on breathing and thus to cope with difficult situations.
If the VR horror is not for you, you can alternatively try out meditation apps. Still, the Cambridge approach is worth considering because people are taught breathing techniques in a controlled environment. As a result, they may deal with stressful situations in everyday life more confidently in the future.
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