a man in a jacket and shirt looks into virtual reality goggles against a dark background

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How Much Do You Know About Virtual Reality?

Take this quiz to test your VR IQ

AARP Staff

En español

Published October 13, 2022

8 Questions

232f04ad-8a04-4b16-9541-260951ae8230

How Much Do You Know About Virtual Reality?

[ {
  "question" : "What is VR?",
  "answers" : [ {
    "answer" : "A computing platform that allows people to interact in 3D space",
    "correctAnswer" : false
  }, {
    "answer" : "The evolution of the internet",
    "correctAnswer" : false
  }, {
    "answer" : "A device that allows people to feel present with others from a distance",
    "correctAnswer" : false
  }, {
    "answer" : "All of the above",
    "correctAnswer" : true
  } ],
  "multiSelect" : false,
  "explanation" : "Merriam-Webster defines VR as \"an artificial environment which is experienced through sensory stimuli (such as sights and sounds) provided by a computer and in which one's actions partially determine what happens in the environment,\" along with the technology used to access the environment.",
  "hint" : "",
  "hintLink" : "",
  "questionImgCaption" : "",
  "questionImgCredit" : ""
}, {
  "question" : "In what decade was the term ‘virtual reality’ popularized?",
  "answers" : [ {
    "answer" : "1950s",
    "correctAnswer" : false
  }, {
    "answer" : "1960s",
    "correctAnswer" : false
  }, {
    "answer" : "1970s",
    "correctAnswer" : false
  }, {
    "answer" : "1980s",
    "correctAnswer" : true
  } ],
  "multiSelect" : false,
  "explanation" : "Several sources point to the phrase’s use and likely creation by computer scientist, researcher, writer and musician Jaron Lanier. He is the founder of VPL Research, which created and sold VR products.",
  "hint" : "",
  "hintLink" : "",
  "questionImgCaption" : "",
  "questionImgCredit" : ""
}, {
  "question" : "True or false? VR relaxation apps are effective in reducing stress.",
  "answers" : [ {
    "answer" : "True",
    "correctAnswer" : true
  }, {
    "answer" : "False",
    "correctAnswer" : false
  } ],
  "multiSelect" : false,
  "explanation" : "VR’s immersive qualities instill a sense of presence that can help cultivate mindfulness, calm and increase positive moods.",
  "hint" : "",
  "hintLink" : "",
  "questionImgCaption" : "",
  "questionImgCredit" : ""
}, {
  "question" : "VR travel and tourism helps travelers ...",
  "answers" : [ {
    "answer" : "Try before they buy",
    "correctAnswer" : false
  }, {
    "answer" : "Visit places they can’t easily reach, whether physically or financially",
    "correctAnswer" : false
  }, {
    "answer" : "Relax and unwind",
    "correctAnswer" : false
  }, {
    "answer" : "All of the above",
    "correctAnswer" : true
  } ],
  "multiSelect" : false,
  "explanation" : "The travel and tourism industries are investing in next-generation VR video tours that increase engagement and inspire people to explore the world from home. High-resolution video tours offer a variety of destinations in which to relax and gain a fresh perspective.",
  "hint" : "",
  "hintLink" : "",
  "questionImgCaption" : "",
  "questionImgCredit" : ""
}, {
  "question" : "True or false? Experiencing nature in virtual reality could have larger benefits than TV, boosting positive feelings and increasing people's connection to the natural world.",
  "answers" : [ {
    "answer" : "True",
    "correctAnswer" : true
  }, {
    "answer" : "False",
    "correctAnswer" : false
  } ],
  "multiSelect" : false,
  "explanation" : "In a study of restorative effects of virtual scenes of nature “the results suggested that immersion in virtual nature settings has similar beneficial effects as exposure to surrogate nature ... The latest VR technology can serve as an alternative way to access nature environments for restoration.”",
  "hint" : "",
  "hintLink" : "",
  "questionImgCaption" : "",
  "questionImgCredit" : ""
}, {
  "question" : "True or false? VR can be used for social connection.",
  "answers" : [ {
    "answer" : "True",
    "correctAnswer" : true
  }, {
    "answer" : "False",
    "correctAnswer" : false
  } ],
  "multiSelect" : false,
  "explanation" : "Social VR apps like Alcove, AltSpace and Horizon Worlds enable friends and family to safely connect and explore VR in ways that inspire them to create memories, and to feel more socially engaged, present and relaxed.",
  "hint" : "",
  "hintLink" : "",
  "questionImgCaption" : "",
  "questionImgCredit" : ""
}, {
  "question" : "How many U.S. residents are expected to use VR in 2022?",
  "answers" : [ {
    "answer" : "10.8 million",
    "correctAnswer" : false
  }, {
    "answer" : "20.8 million",
    "correctAnswer" : false
  }, {
    "answer" : "40.8 million",
    "correctAnswer" : false
  }, {
    "answer" : "60.8 million",
    "correctAnswer" : true
  } ],
  "multiSelect" : false,
  "explanation" : "If that forecast is correct, the amount of U.S. residents using VR will have increased 75.7 percent from 2018 to 2022.",
  "hint" : "",
  "hintLink" : "",
  "questionImgCaption" : "",
  "questionImgCredit" : ""
}, {
  "question" : "Fifty million VR units are projected to be sold worldwide by 2026.",
  "answers" : [ {
    "answer" : "True",
    "correctAnswer" : true
  }, {
    "answer" : "False",
    "correctAnswer" : false
  } ],
  "multiSelect" : false,
  "explanation" : "Market intelligence firm IDC predicts 30 million of those units will be sold to consumers looking for games and entertainment, and 20 will be sold to businesses.",
  "hint" : "",
  "hintLink" : "",
  "questionImgCaption" : "",
  "questionImgCredit" : ""
} ]

Quiz Progress

0 Correct

0 Incorrect