>Surely the difference between VR and film is one of degree rather than a categorical change.
Degree matters. And, naming them both media doesn't make them qualitatively the same to begin with.
>I think there will be negative and positive aspects
Respectfully, one can use that argument to wave off any concern about anything. But, here, experiencing lasting and disturbing dissociative effects after walking away from the interaction is not the same as feeling momentarily sad after watching a film.
>that has always been a net benefit for humanity.
I'm not sure if that's categorically true but, there is certainly no rule that says it must always be so, irrespective of the actual medium or environment.
And, I think it's safe to say we are in uncharted waters here. We've never had a medium that competes with reality so effectively or whose effects are more akin to doing psychadelic drugs than reading a book or watching film.
I'm not willing to declare that a net positive just yet.
Degree matters. And, naming them both media doesn't make them qualitatively the same to begin with.
>I think there will be negative and positive aspects
Respectfully, one can use that argument to wave off any concern about anything. But, here, experiencing lasting and disturbing dissociative effects after walking away from the interaction is not the same as feeling momentarily sad after watching a film.
>that has always been a net benefit for humanity.
I'm not sure if that's categorically true but, there is certainly no rule that says it must always be so, irrespective of the actual medium or environment.
And, I think it's safe to say we are in uncharted waters here. We've never had a medium that competes with reality so effectively or whose effects are more akin to doing psychadelic drugs than reading a book or watching film.
I'm not willing to declare that a net positive just yet.