Free VR Tool On Mobile Helps People Overcome Speech Anxiety

Once relegated to the realm of gaming, Virtual Reality (VR) has branched out into numerous fields. Its innovative capabilities have emerged in many areas, including medical training, immersive entertainment experiences, and mental health support.

Recently, the University of Cambridge has developed an exciting VR platform specifically designed to assist individuals in overcoming public speaking anxiety. This new initiative from their Immersive Technology Lab offers free, expertly curated coursework focused on accessibility.

This platform is designed to work with your smartphone, eliminating the need for costly VR headsets. It can be paired with a simple mounting kit, which can be purchased for around $20, to create an immersive training experience.

The training materials are freely accessible online to anyone worldwide. Furthermore, this platform is one of the first of its kind to support both iOS and Android devices through a dual-compatible VR player architecture.

The development team asserts that the platform delivers a consistent experience across various devices, whether users are utilizing cutting-edge VR headsets or simply an older smartphone mounted appropriately.

This concept isn't far removed from Google Cardboard, a low-cost VR solution introduced a decade ago using smartphones. However, today's “converter kits” are much more refined and constructed with superior materials.

How does the VR training program work?

The training program, developed by Dr. Chris MacDonald, a behavioral scientist and founder of the Immersive Technology Lab, has undergone clinical validation. It has shown impressive effectiveness among students at both Cambridge and UCL, with a 100% success rate reported in combating public speaking anxiety.

The approach mirrors psychological exposure therapy, in which participants gradually encounter increasingly intense versions of their fears, helping them to confront and reduce their anxieties over time.

Participants logging into the VR training platform encounter diverse audience scenarios, ranging from empty rooms to crowded stages with onlookers, or even simulated radio interviews. The training can be enhanced with added noise, lighting, and camera effects for realism.

The goal is to build mental toughness while gradually helping participants face their fears.

Dr. MacDonald has introduced a unique element called Overexposure Therapy. This method immerses users in unrealistic scenarios, like speaking in a fully packed stadium, intended to push their limits much like training in extreme conditions.

The end goal

The ultimate purpose of this VR training platform is to assist individuals struggling with fear of public speaking. Such concerns not only relate to mental wellness but also impede academic advancement and career prospects. Ultimately, these issues hinder individuals from realizing their full potential.

So far, users have reported significant improvements in their mental well-being and confidence after just one week of utilizing the platform. Many feel better prepared, more adaptable, and have developed improved coping strategies for anxiety.

Dr. MacDonald is actively working on enhancing the platform with additional features and expanding accessibility. To date, the training has facilitated over 50,000 remote sessions and numerous in-person trials.

“I am also collaborating with various organizations to create tailored options for specific groups, such as children who stutter,” Dr. MacDonald explains. The VR training platform is available globally for those interested through an official website.