How can virtual reality help us deal with reality? | Patrick Bordnick | TEDxHouston

Virtual Reality is becoming more and more part of our world, and many are concerned that it will lead to further addiction to the digital world.
Dr. Bornick's research explores what happens when people become addicted to behaviors that are destructive, and has been using Virtual Reality to create novel therapies that help people manage their addictions and unlearn destructive behaviors.
His work demonstrates that the virtual world will be able to empower us by simulating difficult situations, learn from them, and applying that knowledge to the real world.
Patrick Bordnick envisions a world where humans interact seamlessly with technology to improve teaching, research, therapy, and aid in knowledge building. He is a professor and associate dean of research at the University of Houston Graduate College of Social Work.
A 20-year veteran of clinical and laboratory research, Bordnick is one of the foremost experts in the world on using virtual reality to explore human behavior and learning.
His VR work has focused on assessing and treating addiction: cocaine, marijuana, heroin, alcohol, amphetamine, nicotine and food. Through the innovative use of technology, Bordnick has grown the college’s research to also include VR in the training of future counselors and therapists. His research is funded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) as well as many state and private grants.
This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at ted.com/tedx

[@ericbelsterling8186]

Dr. Bordnick, I love what your doing! Thank you for your contribution. I too am recovering from Food Addiction (Bulimia/Anorexia) through exercise. Thank you for modeling the healthy use of technology!

[@chrisholland5978]

Shout out to the people in our addiction class watching this last min before our discussion is due

[@KathiCox]

I loved seeing this talk. And I can't wait to talk to you more about how we can partner together to continue to bring this to the people who need it.

[@squamish4244]

VR will be one of the most powerful tools for self-transformation we have ever invented.

[@garypeters7861]

Great video!

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