VR Therapy Tool for Social Anxiety

Abstract

Social Anxiety Disorder is defined as a persistent fear of social situations due to fear of judgement and humiliation. I am looking into using virtual reality technology to help people with social anxiety practice social situations. My research asks whether video games can offer the realism of actual conversation. In order to practice communication in social situations, players must interact with people of various physical appearances and behaviors. This method of treatment will lead to a better understanding of social anxiety, its effects on people, and provide a safe, controlled method of therapy for people with social anxiety.