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Using Augmented Reality To Treat Cockroach Phobia

Posted by samzenpus on from the virtually-fixed dept.

RichDiesal writes "In this blog post, I describe a new use for augmented reality — treating people for cockroach phobia. A recent paper in the academic journal Cyberpsychology, Behavior and Social Networking discusses a system where people suffering from cockroach phobia sit at a desk with a virtual reality headset. The headset has a camera on the front so that patients see the desk they're sitting at — but covered in cockroaches. In the study, researchers managed to elicit a fear response to virtual cockroaches similar to what would be experienced with real cockroaches. Sounds like a little slice of hell to me."

5 of 126 comments (clear)

  1. La Cucaroacha by flyneye · · Score: 5, Funny

    >())))))...

             

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    *Repent!Quit Your Job!Slack Off!The World Ends Tomorrow and You May Die!
  2. Peril Sensitive sunglasses may be a better option by jamesh · · Score: 4, Funny

    Wouldn't it be better that as soon as the glasses detect a cockroach they 'augment reality' by becoming completely opaque?

  3. I thought we already had LSD by SlappyBastard · · Score: 3, Funny

    Do we really need electricity to replace what chemistry already does so well?

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    I scream. You scream. I assume that means we're both acquainted with the problem. We proceed.
  4. Re:I think I'll just KEEP MY PHOBIA!!! by wronskyMan · · Score: 3, Funny

    Some people are afraid of what they can't see...

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    --- You shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you mad- Neal (not Cowboy) Boortz
  5. Re:There are better, quicker ways to phobia relief by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 5, Funny

    I'm sure you are and were very well-intentioned, but amateur counseling based on pop psychology is akin to amateur surgery with a shotgun.
    You might consider a hobby with less potential danger like hand grenade tennis or blindfolded street racing. ;-)