The phrase typically refers to one of two distinct contexts: the work of Blair Williams , a specialized arts administrator and community developer who utilizes immersive technology, or a specific VR-themed entertainment project from 2018. Blair Williams: Creative Placemaking & Immersive Tech
She is currently lobbying for the "VR Remote Worker Tax Credit" in three US states, arguing that companies should get tax breaks for reducing highway traffic and emissions.
She reached out to touch the virtual glass, but her fingers met the cold, gritty plastic of her desk. The sensory disconnect was jarring. In the virtual world, Blair was a titan of industry, a weaver of worlds. In reality, she was a woman who hadn't seen the sun in three days, surviving on protein bars and the blue light of four monitors. blair williams reality virtually work
Despite these challenges, the opportunities presented by virtual work are significant. As technology continues to evolve and improve, it is likely that more and more individuals will be able to work remotely, leading to increased flexibility, productivity, and work-life balance.
Critics argue that VR work allows for "desktop surveillance on steroids." In a physical office, a manager can see if you are at your desk. In a VR headset, a manager can see where your pupils are looking, how fast you reacted to a stimulus, and even your heart rate (via haptic wristbands). The phrase typically refers to one of two
This write-up explores how AR and VR technologies are transforming "reality" into a digital workspace, and the implications this has for how humans "work" in the future.
One of the primary benefits of virtual work is the flexibility it provides. Without the need to commute to an office, individuals can create their own schedules and work from anywhere, whether that be from home, a coffee shop, or a beach in Bali. This flexibility has been shown to lead to increased productivity, reduced stress, and improved overall well-being. The sensory disconnect was jarring
Reality, Virtually uses its adult sci-fi framing to tackle several broader philosophical ideas regarding our relationship with immersive digital spaces: 1. The Co-opting of the Unconscious Mind
In the film, Blair plays a screenwriter struggling with writer's block. Her nerdy stepbrother demonstrates a new VR device that taps directly into her unconscious mind to generate a narrative in a "waking dream". Within the simulation, she finds herself nude in a jail cell, interacting with her stepbrother in sexually explicit scenarios.