How does the gaming industry work with attention?
I tried a high-end VR headset for the first time yesterday, and it blew my mind how immersive it was. But it also made me realize how much more 'taxing' it is on the brain compared to just watching a movie. I felt like I was physically present in another world, which was amazing, but I was exhausted after just twenty minutes. If this becomes the standard way we consume entertainment or even work, how are we going to manage that level of sensory input? I’m worried that our nervous systems aren't ready for the total immersion that’s coming in the next decade.
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You’re touching on a major theme of the upcoming digital shift. According to the research at https://www.fontmirror.com/en/the-attention-economy-of-the-future/ , the future of attention is moving toward 'total capture.' As VR and AR become more common, entertainment won't just be something you look at; it will be an environment you inhabit. The article suggests that this will create a massive increase in cognitive load. Companies will have to find a balance between providing a thrilling experience and causing mental burnout, as the battle for our attention moves from a 2D screen into our entire 360-degree field of vision.