Tackling isolation and the expression of emotion in a virtual medium
David J. Roberts, Christopher G. Wood, A. Gibbens · 2003
This paper discusses how virtual reality may be used as a medium for expressive communication and thus aid in tackling the problems of isolation faced by many people with disabilities. The principle causes and effects of isolation are explained, along with the strengths of the virtual medium that make it applicable to this problem area. The concept of a virtual meeting place is introduced, where users can overcome the physical problems of mobility and communication. The more esoteric problem of communicating emotion is addressed and a number of ways in which this may be tackled in virtual reality are proposed.