ALICE IN VIDEOGAME-LAND: A WALKTHROUGH FROM SCIENCE INTO VIRTUAL WORLDS

Abstract

Leisure has been a promoter of technological advances throughout history, and behind it, science also advances. The deployment of new technologies is revolutionizing both the understanding of the mind and cognitive functions, as well as the treatment of their difficulties. Especially in the field of Sexology, studies are just in their infancy. Videogames provide a care-free, fun and motivating environment, where the individual can learn behaviors, self-perceptions, and a way of looking at the world around him, which have an impact on real life. Even behaviors related to consent, forms of attachments to virtual characters, and maintaining a relationship. The particularity of how the individual feels present in virtual environments has a huge impact on the emotions and experiences he or she goes through.. The more immersive the sensation is, the greater that impact. Among the tools to be considered is Virtual Reality, which has already proven effective in treating multiple difficulties, including sexual disorders. Combining the playful and motivating aspects of videogames and their pedagogical effectiveness, with the immersion of virtual reality, there is great potential in the future for the development of treatment protocols, which could accompany the sex therapy. Keywords: video games, virtual reality, immersion, presence, virtual relationships, treatment, sexual education.