by Last week we talked about how forms of Virtual Reality is helping people see the world from grand new heights. This week we’ll pivot a little and deal with how it’s helping other people deal with their FEAR of heights.
A recent study by the Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam has revealed Virtual Reality to be an effective mode of therapy for people with Acrophobia(a fear of heights). The study observed the effects that using Zerophobia, an app that uses methods based on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy mixed with VR/360º tech, had on people suffering from Acrophobia. The app was specifically designed by the researchers to allow users to simulate their fear of heights. Just as in traditional Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, the subjects are exposed to aspects of their phobia step-by-step, the key difference being the use of a phone and headset over expensive sessions with a CBT specialist.
With the high costs of therapy often out ordinary people’s reach, cheaper alternatives like Zerophobia can help people face their fear of heights without breaking the bank. And for all you avio, arachne, and claustro-phobes, stay tuned as Zerophobia is looking into VR solutions for your phobias as well.