Apple's Virtual Reality Headset, Apple Vision Pro: Exploring Benefits and Cautions

The last 12 months have seen an explosion of new releases of virtual headsets, and Apple has just announced its stake in the virtual world, which suggests that the new technology is about to take off.

These are my initial thoughts on Apple's virtual reality headset, which they have just announced. It is called Apple Vision Pro, a headset worn for total immersion. It is set to be released in early 2024 and is supposed to be priced at USD $3,500, roughly equivalent to AUD $5,250 at today's exchange rate.

Potential positive impacts:

• There has been a significant increase in telehealth counselling since the COVID-19 pandemic. While telehealth reduces the cost of therapy and makes it more convenient, in-person therapy has certain advantages. Face-to-face conversation enables the therapist to read body language and make a better assessment of the patient, and vice versa. The virtual headset might enable more immersive therapy with your counsellor or psychologist.

• It might make telehealth more engaging through the use of new tools, such as sensory stimulation through music, or make Cognitive Behavioral Therapy more interactive. It could also benefit people with special needs, such as the neurodiverse population and those with sensory processing disorders, by creating an environment that is entertaining and interactive during their therapy sessions.

Potential negative impacts:

• Wearing the headset for long periods of time may reduce the amount of sunlight exposure. Sunlight is important for mental health and setting the body's day and night rhythm, which helps prepare for sleep. Lack of sunlight, especially during the shorter winter days, might reduce the release of serotonin in the brain. Serotonin balance is important for improving mood and overall mental health.

• It may also affect sleep quality, either related to sunlight exposure or independently.

• Addiction to internet content and pornography may increase or worsen for individuals who are already afflicted with these conditions..

• The Apple Vision Pro has the ability to deliver a high level of sensory and emotional stimulation, which could result in a "let down" effect when transitioning back to the real world, as it may not be as entertaining. This could potentially create a cycle of social isolation and increase loneliness.

• There may be eyesight issues due to not changing focal length or staring at the same distance for long periods of time, leading to increased eye strain and dry eyes.

• Neck strain and pain could occur from sitting in a fixed position for extended periods of time. This is already a major issue with prolonged mobile phone use, and the Apple Vision Pro may exacerbate it due to the weight of the headset primarily resting in front of the face and straining the neck.

• Accidents and injuries may occur from moving around while wearing the headset.

The Apple Vision Pro technology is exciting, and I am certain more people will start using it as the price comes down over time. However, we need to be mindful and allocate specific time and place for its use so that we can benefit from its advantages while also protecting ourselves from its potential negative impacts. For the time being, it is prudent to shield our children from using such an immersive technology due to its addictive potential and possible effects on the developing brain.