Exploring VR technology can be done in many different ways. Most people cannot stomach doing so for more than just a few hours at a time. Mark Farid, a well-known artist, will spend a full month living in VR to determine the impact of this technology on the human condition. It is not medically advised to copy such an attempt without conferring with your doctor.
Living in VR Remains Dangerous
While we can commend Mark Farid for taking this plunge, sending every waking and sleeping moment in VR for 28 days straight sounds rather unhealthy. He wants to experience the life of someone else through the eyes and ears. This is a rather peculiar experiment, although one with a precedent. Multiple similar “experiments” of this magnitude have been performed in the past, albeit not through a VR headset.
Farid will be subjected to the lives of others in a 24-hour cycle. He has no idea which subjects’ lives he will witness or what to expect. All he knows is how all users are adults and in a relationship, but that is all there is to it as of right now. A daring and bold experiment, although one no one should repeat at home by any means.
Moreover, Farid will eat, drink, and bathe in sync with the other person. This means he will not have any human interaction in the real world during this 28-day period. It is a very risky endeavor, as no one knows the proper long-term effects of VR technology on the human body and mind. Farid will forever be a changed man after this experiment, that much is rather evident.
The audience of this “exhibition” can share their experiences with Farid through other VR headsets at the London gallery. Additionally, they can view the recorded life of the other person in real life as well, which is rather intriguing. For now, this will remain a one-off exhibition, although we may see more ventures like these, depending on the outcome.
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