Video games and virtual reality aren’t strictly for men. Social scientists have found that women are extremely interested in virtual reality for physical fitness purposes. While men tend to gravitate toward VR for gaming, women seem to be interested in the technology as a means of staying fit and slim. This piece delves into the nuances of this phenomenon, provides enlightening statistics and offers insight as to why women are disproportionately intrigued by the potential of VR fitness apps.
When the topic of video games is raised, most people think of young men in their teens or 20s spending hours on end in dark basements or man caves, playing massive multiplayer online role playing games or Madden Football. There is no doubt that young men love their video games. However, women also have a passion for gaming, especially fitness-oriented games. Women’s desire for games that incorporate physical activity is part of the reason why they are flocking to VR fitness apps more than their male counterparts.
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Men and Women are Interested in VR for Different Reasons
Studies show that women are particularly interested in virtual reality’s potential. Women are especially inclined to purchase the latest virtual reality equipment, whether it is a VR headset, VR controller or even the VR-enabled Sony PlayStation 4 gaming console. Surveys have found that women are much more likely than men to be interested in virtual reality for health and fitness purposes. Though everyone desires high-quality VR games, there is a considerable gap between women and men when it comes to interest in VR’s potential to help them get in shape and stay toned over time. Research has found that men are more concerned with the shelf life of VR apps and whether they feature realistic effects. Women are more concerned than men when it comes to potential fatigue and VR-induced nausea. Women are also concerned with the potential complexities posed by this new technology.
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Source: VRfitnessinsider