Stephanie
Posting #2
Topic: Technology/Science
Title:"
In Cybertherapy, Avatars Assist With Healing"
Author: Benedict Carey
Publication: The New York Times
Date of publication: November 22, 2010
Length: 2,600 words
At the University of Quebec in Ottawa, Canada, there is a new type of therapy coming about. It is one that involves the subjects acting with virtual figures called avatars. It is being used to try and treat many problems, such as social anxiety disorder or post-traumatic stress disorder. An example given is a man making a speech in front of a crowded room, and having to get over his social anxiety to finish his speech. This is a process that many are investing a lot into. For example, the United States Army has been spending about $4 million a year on virtual programs that train officers or help treat post-traumatic stress disorder. Researchers have shown that these virtual experiences have been able to carry them into their every day life. This form of therapy lets the subjects experiences certain things without them having to face the real consequences. That, in turn, helps them overcome many phobias.
In conclusion, this form of therapy, cybertherapy, has been a good addition to a therapist's tool kit. It has and will be able to help more people in the future, especially when there is not much else that can be done by different means. Therapists can help the subject while they are actually going through the experience, and not just before or afterward. Scientists and researchers are still looking to improve on this technology as well. In the future, this technology will be able to do more for people and help them overcome their problems.
This really is an innovative and practical solution to a problem. This will not only help people deal with phobias, but it will also let people practice doing something that is either dangerous or expensive. For example soldiers or pilots could realistically train without having to be in danger. Or maybe astronauts could train without spending lots of money to send them into space or buy expensive simulations. In any case this seems to have lots of promise.
ReplyDeleteI've never heard of an idea like this. But I like the idea of how it can help veterans on their post dramatic stress by allowing them to enact situations without any consequences.
ReplyDeleteMicrosoft is coming out with a new virtual Avatar control program like this. I have always thought of it as a thing for entertainment value but this could prove to be very helpful.
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