Final Paper: Virtual Reality’s Assist in Social Networking

Networking is the best social skill we should acquire starting at a young age. Social media takes away from the social experience. As technology gets integrated with work and school, networking in real life becomes in some ways easier as well as difficult. People are less willing to interact in person, letting good networking opportunities pass right by them. While most do not think twice about direct messaging someone in a related field, they feel safe behind a computer screen. Although, it can open up doors for them. A face to face personal interaction is more likely to work than a message which puts you in a pool of similar people.

The new generation is starting to lack communication skills by using social media at such young ages. Generally, they are being introduced to the internet overall since younger. There are videos, apps, and different “kid-friendly” sections, but yet, they are still exposed to so much. Staring at a screen from a young age ruins the ability of one being able to properly express their feelings and socialize. The internet became most popular in the mid-2000s. So most of us in our 20’s and older were not exposed to the internet as early as the kids now. Everything we are used to is changing as we know it.

Imagine a device that could entertain the new generations while also allowing them to train themselves. Freshen up their skills on how to speak professionally, how to present in front of large crowds, and how to present themselves during interviews. Virtual reality goggles can do just that. We have created a new technology that brings us into the application. Using it for business and education can create a new level of basic skills. Lack of social skills will not help them succeed in a world where social networking is more important than a degree itself. Sometimes knowing the right people is more important than having prerequisites such as education. Being that virtual reality is still so expensive, some colleges have it available for different purposes. For example, Lehman has a mock interview app set up on virtual reality, which could benefit many people who get anxious during interviews. The only disadvantages we really have are that the avatars responses will most obviously not be the same as an actual interviewer. It will be basic responses fitting the question. Also, being that this is new technology, prepare for many technical difficulties every now and then. Until it has been perfected, it would be a trial run as most things usually are.

Being connected to the internet and social media also is affecting our youth’s mental health. Trying to connect with someone who is not social and also is intimidated by others will not work. “What’s more, many teens spend so much time online checking statuses and likes that they forget to interact with the people right in front of them. For this reason, friendships and dating relationships can suffer when social media takes center stage in a person’s life.” (Gordan). Kids are growing up comparing themselves to someone they have never met but keep up with on Instagram. They feel the need to copy and do everything like others. Due to personal reasons, money, or whatever the case may be, sometimes the same things seen online are not accessible leading to sadness or multiple insecurities. Mental health is very important and the psychological issues that come from social media do not result in good communication skills in the future. Although one might feel more comfortable behind a computer screen and reach out to people they would be intimidated by in real life. As well as people we might never meet in our local areas such as celebrities or well-known people in one’s field of choice. One does not lose anything by reaching out to their favorite celebrities and role models. If they are to answer, you never know what the outcome is.

Generally, social media as a whole is not beneficial for our health most of the time. We look at it as entertainment and a great communication device. But, it depends on how each person uses it. Social media could lead to cyberbullying and as I stated before, it can lead to psychological issues. Of course, it does have its benefits such as bringing people together. Also, it has made owning private businesses easier. Social media allows one to spread resumes, market, and communicate with anyone in any part of the world at a faster pace than before. Social media also connects different people with similar goals and beliefs.

It seems as if the younger generation has a harder time separating real life from social media. It is because of this issue that they lack social skills and find it hard to network with their own classmates, coworkers, and friends. On a business aspect, the younger generation will do great because online marketing and sales do not require much communication in real life. Although, it is pretty useful when you want to reach out to your fanbase, customers, etc. “It is very important to understand that social media and social networking are not one and the same but that they are both of critical importance to your business and you should take full advantage of both for the greater success of your business.” (Cohn). Becoming too dependent on these applications will backfire on us eventually. It can lead to bad lifestyle habits such as going to sleep late or not at all, sitting down too long, or even looking at bright screens all day.

Therefore, since social media has been around for over forty years, everything just gets better. As a new concept, virtual reality can become an essential tool for us. We would create an app that connects people in real time like facetime but it would show another person as if they were standing right in front of you. With these new applications, anyone can get the training they need. Whether it is lacking social skills, shyness, anxiety, or any mixed feelings about interviews, public speaking, or something in that field, the virtual reality will put you to the test. The application is meant to be used to advance personal skills. Speaking tests that will grade your presentation, mock interviews with real answers, the real-time meetings, whoever is online will be able to communicate with each other as if they were in the same room. For college students, it could be connected to LinkedIn to meet hiring managers in realtime and get a chance to speak to them before meeting them in real life.

“Virtual reality places the user physically in the shoes of their avatar, allowing for never before seen immersion. What’s more, socializing with someone in VR is going to fundamentally change what it means to interact with someone online.” (Garcia). Many people have seen the innovative future of virtual reality. Educational settings can definitely use this to make up classes when a student is sick or cannot attend. Leading professors and students towards gaining confidence that students will be able to rewatch lectures and have more access to resources for their future.

Virtual reality can also be used for those who are not fortunate enough to be able to afford or have the ability to travel. The travel aspect will allow those using virtual reality to see famous landmarks and destinations through virtual reality and feel like they are actually there. As well as educate our future surgeons by allowing them a virtual surgical application. Making sure they absorb what they learn in class and are allowed to virtually practice surgeries, network, create study groups and more before they actually get a job.

Overall, I think this would be a great extension to what we already have for virtual reality. We need to expand our horizons and help our younger generations before they completely forget how to socialize and meet other people. We cannot let social media and the internet brainwash them. It would be beneficial to schools, career centers, and students of all ages. Interestingly enough, virtual reality has been out for about two years already. People are not picking up too fast on it due to the high prices and lack of applications and software available. Due to these issues, they are not as popular. As for video games, virtual reality has created a new world for gamers where they can meet people online and feel like they are actually in the game!

Works Cited

Cohn, Michael. “Social Media vs Social Networking.” CompuKol Communications, 24 Mar. 2016, www.compukol.com/social-media-vs-social-networking/.

 

Garcia, Albizu. “Is Virtual Reality the Future of Social Networking?” The Sociable, 28 Mar. 2019, sociable.co/social-media/is-virtual-reality-future-social-networking/.

 

Gordon, Sherri. “How Social Media Negatively Affects the Teen Brain.” Verywell Family, Verywellfamily, 6 Apr. 2019, www.verywellfamily.com/ways-social-media-affects-teen-mental-health-4144769.

 

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