Virtual reality, real impact? How VR protects young people from alcohol
How do you reach young people at an age when peer pressure, identity search, and first experiences with alcohol all come together? LimitLab is a VR simulation that starts right here: at the house party, with the first drink, in the decisive situation. Robert Hrynyschyn explains how the project came about, why it relies on real filmed scenes, and what it has to do with psychological self-efficacy.
Many young people find conventional sex education to be didactic and unrealistic. Instead, LimitLab aims to simulate parties and bring social dynamics to life. The application is adaptive, shows real consequences, and works with both positive and negative role models.
What do young people themselves say about this experience? In focus groups, they report surprisingly intense experiences and praise the realism – but also criticize technical hurdles. Realism is both a blessing and a challenge: a party only feels real if it moves realistically. This episode discusses why VR has enormous potential despite its simple technology.
Initial studies show that VR alone does not work miracles. But as a building block in an overall concept – combined with educational support – it can provide important impetus. This is already a reality in Australia, but in Germany we are still in the early stages. We talk about the state of research, the school setting, and the balancing act between innovation and feasibility.
VR is only a first step – research has long since moved on. Whether mixed reality, AI-supported scenarios, or interactive prevention games—health promotion is becoming more digital, more immersive, and more personalized. Robert Hrynyschyn looks ahead and asks the crucial question: How can we use technology in a way that really makes a difference?
Watch/listen now and gain exciting insights:YouTube, Spotify, Apple, Dezer