Politicians have always sought the latest technological advances to use them in their favor. Almost a century ago, hearing the president talk on the radio was a good enough reason for everyone to stop what they’re doing and tune in on that frequency. Nowadays, a presidential tweet gets millions of views, shares, and retweets. So, how will politics change with the mainstream adoption of virtual reality just around the corner?
The answer is difficult to imagine now. We have seen several technological breakthroughs in recent years, such as the blockchain, cryptocurrencies, and financial services like Art Payments. Politicians have embraced them all in various ways. Here’s how they could tackle virtual reality!
Beneficial VR Interactions
Virtual reality (VR) is a simulation of another world, whether real or not. VR applications could include entertainment, education, business, art, politics, and more. While it is still developing, we are not far from seeing it as a standard technology in our everyday activities.
VR could help politicians interact easier with their followers. By creating virtual meeting environments, they could engage with voters as if they would be in the same room. Also, citizens could attend conventions with senators, congress members, and even with the president in real-time. Above all, they wouldn’t have to leave their homes even if the political convention takes part on the other side of the world.
Alternatively, politicians and heads of state could use VR to attend global conferences. This technology would enable them to participate in several international events without leaving their cabinets. One of the significant benefits would be less traveling on personal jet planes, which would reduce pollution.
VR Risks for Politicians
Unfortunately, virtual reality is not all milk and honey. Like any other technological advent, VR comes with potential security risks. After all, virtual reality applications would use the online medium, which is forever susceptible to cybercrime, hackers, and other digital attacks.
Politicians could lose their VR events to malicious attacks. Also, hackers could interfere with important conferences, debates, and other VR meetings. Then, they could steal critical information, the politicians’ personal data, and even sensitive state secrets. As a result, virtual reality could become a warfare weapon in the hands of malicious agents.
VR Experiences for Politicians
The mainstream of virtual reality could represent a significant change in politics. For instance, it could teach many politicians running for executive positions about their voters’ grievances. Everyday users could create VR environments replicating their living standards. Then, politicians could log into these VR worlds and experience what their followers’ lives look and feel. As a result, they would better understand how poverty, stress, and inequality affect the common folk.
Lastly, activists could create VR habitats simulating real-world problems, such as disease, war, and famine. Politicians worldwide could experience them virtually and understand their severity. Then, they can use them to develop better and more sustainable solutions.
In conclusion, VR will change politics forever. While it may come with various risks and downsides, this technology could still provide many more benefits for the greater good.