Thus, VR is shaping up to be a very powerful teaching tool. Additionally, people are more highly motivated to learn when they are working through their own choices. VR lets people learn from their experiences, not just memorize a bunch of rules. For all of these reasons, training in sophisticated settings from business to the military is shifting to virtual reality. Psychology software is already in use in prisons addressing problem areas like addiction, stress, communication skills and relationships.
Inmates are amazed at how accurately the programs describe their deficiencies.
Virtual reality is the obvious next step. Virtual reality, because it can engender a sense of participating in an experience in which personal human choices determine the outcome, can be used to teach empathy to criminal offenders. Physical activities could include sitting on benches and tossing coins from a bridge. The challenge would be to find out what kind of haircut the person wants and to accomplish the task without inflicting pain. It would take time for the inmate to achieve the dexterity required to do a good job for someone without hurting them.