Tuesday, November 23, 2010

In Cybertherapy, Avatars Assist With Healing - NYTimes.com

An introduction to cybertherapy

Researchers are populating digital worlds with autonomous, virtual humans that can evoke the same tensions as in real-life encounters. People with social anxiety are struck dumb when asked questions by a virtual stranger. Heavy drinkers feel strong urges to order something from a virtual bartender, while gamblers are drawn to sit down and join a group playing on virtual slot machines. And therapists can advise patients at the very moment those sensations are felt.

In a series of experiments, researchers have shown that people internalize these virtual experiences and their responses to them — with effects that carry over into real life.

In Cybertherapy, Avatars Assist With Healing - NYTimes.com

No comments: