Virtual Reality is an interactive experience that is computer-generated and it takes place in a simulated environment that is either similar to the real world or more of a fantasy. Its purpose is to immerse you in a fully virtual world. These experiences usually include both auditory and visual feedback, but can also incorporate other sensory feedback. The most common technology that is used to experience this reality is a headset. When you put on these headsets you are able to look around and move around in this virtual world. They generate realistic sounds, images, and other sensations that make the user feel as if you are in this virtual or imaginary world. The first headset was created in 2010 and it has evolved since then. Some more expensive headsets need to be connected to a computer so they can run apps and games, and some other less expensive ones use a cellphone clicked in the front of the headset. You can go to an app store specifically for virtual reality apps to download different ones, for example, a rollercoaster one which makes the user feel as if they are really on a rollercoaster. I have had the opportunity to try these headsets and I did the rollercoaster one. The realisticness of it amazed me. I truly felt as if I was on a rollercoaster; I felt the drop of my stomach when I went down a big hill.

There is also Augmented Reality, which is different from Virtual Reality as it uses the real world and adds to it (it adds digital elements to a real-life view usually using a smartphone). For example, you could be looking at your house, but include other characters to it. A popular example of Augmented Reality is the lenses available on Snapchat, which adds characters or an image into your picture. Another popular example is Pokemon GO, which shows you what is in front of you but adds in Pokemon GO characters.

Both Augmented Reality and Virtual Reality have become more and more popular and used in the last several years. The main difference between the two is that Virtual Reality does not use any aspect of real life (it is a completely virtual world), where Augmented Reality uses the real world and just adds digital elements to it. I would recommend trying out Virtual Reality if you ever have the opportunity as it really is a unique experience unlike anything else.

Here is a helpful website explaining more about Virtual Reality:

https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2016/nov/10/virtual-reality-guide-headsets-apps-games-vr