When I Get That Feeling I Need Virtual Healing, Virtual Healing Baby

Wired news has posted an article about the use of VR Goggles being used to help soldiers in the Iraq War cope with returning home. Check it out here: VR Goggles Heal Scars of War. Although this concept isn't exactly new, with work being done to help burn patients, and people with phobias, this is the first time I heard about using VR to help Soldiers. The actual example given, makes the problem seem much worse than I would have thought as well. "Snipers are very tough in general, and during the session, he kept saying, 'I'm fine.' But I had him hooked up with physiological monitors, and when I asked him to tell the story of what happened, his system went through the roof. . . He flew out of his wheelchair in public once, and started pounding on a guy who said we shouldn't be in Iraq," Spira said. "But over time, as the therapy continued, he became calmer and was able to get along with people better." Dr. Sprira is the head of the San Diego Naval Medical Center's Health Psychology Program. Anything that can be done to help the people who are sacrificing so much to fight for our country deal with the hardships that come with it deserves are praise. I realize that is isn't exactly a game, but it is repurposed gaming technology, and I hope most of you find it pertinent.

Nintendo is Good for the Soul

Is there any science behind the gameplay? Relationship psychologist Susan Quilliam has reviewed the implications of the virtual puppy and found that it can not only help develop our attention spans and motor skills, but also improves our ability to solve problems and think creatively The "nintendogs" concept is easily grasped - you're responsible for a pet, and must offer regular food, exercise and entertainment if you want to keep it happy (however, the good news is that the pet never dies). Susan Quilliam found that the game teaches us how to bond and provides us with a sense of nurture and responsibility. But it can also have emotional effects, helping to raise self-esteem and develop strategic thinking. This is supported by research to coincide with the report, which reveals that nearly half of parents believe that owning a pet can teach the owner about a variety of emotions. The survey asked dog lovers what they think are the positive benefits of a virtual pet. Forty three (43) per cent said lower vet bills (!), 39 per cent said it was because they wouldn't have to go for a daily walk and 35 per cent thought it would be tidier. Is it finally time to replace your household pet with a virtual one?

Games for the Brain

Drug-abuse Game Kills Gamers