Helen and Virtual Reality

I realize that the questions I asked previously could be difficult for a layperson to answer. But sometimes, I think the simplest understanding of a difficult matter can be helpful to a scientist and other observers.

What is immersive virtual reality to you?

In terms of labeling new ways to learn, "immersion" is relatively new to many people. It's a term linguists use to learn a language quickly, to immerse into words and terms, using tapes, visuals, and simulated environments.

To be "immersed" in virtual reality, therefore, is to be placed in a simulated environment that would provoke the brain, and therefore, sense of self, which include all the natural senses, in an artificial projection. In simple terms, it is a manipulation of reality.

This is not a new thing in our society. Online gamer, modern day virtual reality tours of houses, virtual libraries--these are reflections of what we could do through VR. Immersive virtual reality is, of course, many steps further.

I hope this gives you some understanding of what Hell and Jed experiences.

*******************

I asked this of Helen Roston not too long ago:

How do you differentiate what you feel in virtual reality with what you feel in real life, Hell?

"I don't. The part of me that understands that I'm in VR is very conscious that it is VR, but everything feels like real life. The sense of space is the same. The sense of time, though, appears to be somewhat different, but I don't know because the few times in VR, I haven't been really checking time. I was...distracted."

Learning about VR and what it can do can certainly make one lose time while one is immersed in it.

"Umm...that too. But, you know what I mean. I've never been in there alone."

Ah, Agent McNeil has always been there too. I believe it's to get used to being together while undergoing the brain wave entrainment.

(Pause)
"Right."

Do you feel comfortable with Agent McNeil's training?

"No."

Why?

"He tests me."

But that's to be expected, right? I'm told the training sessions can be quite vigorous so that I can monitor your heart rate and blood pressure changes.

"Is that what he told you?"

Maybe you can tell me exactly what you don't feel comfortable about. I know Jed likes to take risks, even during training sessions. I'll remind him that some activities can be put off till later, when you're more used to him.

Silence.

"Hey, doc? It's a lot more complicated than you think."

**************************
Helen Roston gives me more information than Jed McNeil, but even she cannot be prodded about certain things. As a scientist, I can only speculate how far the monitor is pushing his operative.