The influence of virtual reality means on personality formation

the article deals with the influence of virtual reality means on personality formation. By means we imply the high-technological program products, characterized by the three-dimensional object images, possibility for animation and interactivity, and the effect of presence without alternation of consciousness of a user. The authors refer to the research data on the influence of educational and correctional virtual reality technologies (VR-technologies) on a function and development of a personality, demonstrate the options of using correctional and developmental VR-programs within the frames of lifelong learning. In the course of the experiment the following approaches were used: Minnesota Multiphase Personality Inventory testing (MMPI), Spielberger-Hanin Anxiety Level test, method of cognitive and behaviorist therapy, virtual anti-phobia trainings, didactic programs in VR format on biology and geometry. It was found that VR correctional and developmental programs in general give positive results for personality functioning and development. The programs influence on a personality was studied in an integrated mode including motives, skills, consciousness, sub-consciousness. The technologies, generated in virtual reality, do not affect basic personal structures, but are able to alter the functional traits of a personality. We mean here a short-term use of VR products, specially directed by their content on progressive personality alternations. The VR programs also might be used to solve the educational goals of lifelong learning. Presented results are of multi-disciplinary character, oriented on perfection of educational process on the basis of current psychological knowledge about the influence of virtual reality on personality formation. The research was performed within the governmental assignments of the Ministry of Education and Science of Russia (2014–2016).