Alvin Wang Graylin’s article 16 Lessons for a VR-First Future From ‘Ready Player One presents many valid projections of the future of Virtual Reality (VR). With the rapid growth in tech, we will continue to see many of his predictions solidify themselves into contemporary society.
#7 VR can erase gender and race inequality gaps
Despite many of the solid predictions ‘Ready Player One’ presents, Graylin’s assertion that VR will eliminate all gender and race inequality seems naive at best. The history that built these gender and race inequalities will not disappear nor, will the institutions that uphold them. One may be willing to think that being able to opt out of these self-representations can erase the prejudice they experience but, the stigma itself is still present. The only change is that instead of embracing the attributes that receive aversion we are solidifying the negative stigma.
#10 A huge economy is coming for virtual good and services
‘Ready Player One’ presents a world where VR has completely changed the e-commerce landscape however, there are hints of it in the present. Online gaming has become a good example of how virtual goods and services can sprout a bountiful economy. Games such as ‘Fortnite’ have spawned popular following with the constant introduction of new items (in-game). Additionally, an online service industry has sprouted up with the introduction of gaming coaches or game assistant.