What you learned in school
Technology classes in the 1990s predicted that virtual reality would become the dominant form of entertainment, completely replacing television, movies, and books. Students learned about immersive virtual worlds as the inevitable future of all media consumption. Textbooks described VR as revolutionary technology that would make traditional entertainment obsolete. The predictions assumed that technical limitations would be quickly overcome and that people would prefer virtual experiences over all other forms of entertainment.
What we know now
Technology classes predicted that virtual reality would become the dominant form of entertainment, replacing television, movies, and books. Students learned about immersive virtual worlds as the future of media consumption. While VR technology has advanced significantly, it remains a niche entertainment option rather than replacing traditional media. Issues with motion sickness, cost, social isolation, and content limitations have prevented widespread adoption. Most people still prefer traditional entertainment forms for daily use, though VR has found success in specific applications like gaming and training.