NFL Tests Virtual Reality To Tackle Prejudice

The NFL is looking at adopting Virtual Reality (VR) to address racial, sexism and domestic violence issues.

Stanford University researchers have been developing VR technology to create a range of training elements, designed to create empathy and reshape behaviours.

The NFL is currently in the early stages of determining how best to use the technology to train league staff and players on understanding bias.

A number of high profile cases of domestic violence and racism from players and coaches in recent years means the league are making an effort to combat the problem. Officials met with the researchers at Interaction Lab to discuss the simulations best suited.

The Interaction Lab has been using its VR to help companies and people experience prejudice that others face. It will offer the NFL unique VR experiences with the help of StriVR Labs, which is currently being used to help college and professional football teams give athletes VR experiences to help them train away from the field.

“Feeling prejudice by walking a mile in someone else’s shoes is what VR was made for,” said Jeremy Bailenson, director of Stanford University’s Virtual Human Interaction Lab.

Discussing the uses of VR, Vincent said he believed the tech “can deliver on real social issues that allow people to be better” and confirmed that the league would “start using this as another teaching tool later this year”.

“VR can deliver on real social issues that allow people to be better,” says Troy Vincent, NFL executive vice president of football operations, who visited the lab with NFL commissioner Roger Goodell.

“We’ll start using this as another teaching tool later this year,” says Vincent, “We want to be known as the best place to work.”