Beware the VR Straw Man

Merriam-Webster’s first definition of straw man is a weak or imaginary opposition (such as an argument or adversary) set up only to be easily confuted. Said another way, a straw man is a type of logical fallacy where the argument is a false or fake version of the opposing argument that can then be easily broken down.  The straw man is meant to imply flimsy or weak. Think of how easy it is to tear apart a form stuffed with straw compared to attacking a real person.  

When I was working on articles about poor virtual reality (VR) and learning research, I found 3 instances of myths surrounding VR learning & training:

• AIXR: 7 Myths and Misconceptions About VR Training
• Learning Solutions Magazine: Debunking – Top 5 Common Myths of VR In Education
• Learning Solutions Magazine: Debunking 5 Myths: VR-Based Training Effective At Any Age

In each case, the myths were communicated by companies selling something in VR.

That’s an AMAZING coincidence, yo.

Too coincidental. 

Yeah, it’s not a coincidence. 

This is classic, slick, ‘don’t fall for the snake oil,’ from the snake oil salesman.

Additionally, I’ll add my own opinion here: I’ve never heard these statements circulated about VR. These are three examples below with seven, five, and five VR straw man arguments, respectively.

---

AIXR: 7 Myths and Misconceptions About VR Training

1. VR Training Is Expensive, Especially At Scale
2. VR Training Requires A Lot Of Space
3. VR Training is Distracting and Counterproductive
4. VR Training is Unhygienic
5. VR Training Sessions Are Very Long
6. All VR Training Makes Users Sick
7. VR Training Isn’t Here To Stay

Learning Solutions Magazine: Debunking – Top 5 Common Myths of VR In Education

I honestly forgot name of company that put out this infographic, so I can’t give you the link.

1. It requires heavy investment
2. You must have headsets 
3. You cannot build VR yourself
4. VR cannot compliment existing learning
5. You cannot track your learners

Learning Solutions Magazine: Debunking 5 Myths: VR-Based Training Effective At Any Age

1. VR-based training appeals only to younger workers.
2. VR is only useful for entertainment, not serious training
3. You need a large space for people to take VR-based training
4. VR training is prohibitively expensive
5. Learners will feel isolated in a VR headset

---

All of these statements above are VR straw man arguments. They are propped up only for the article to tear them down. However, here is a myth that I do hear all of the time: VR will revolutionize education.

And here’s my response:

Virtual Reality (VR) learning is no different than any other form of learning.

Remember that I’m for VR in education. It’s just that VR is not a panacea. It will be one more tool in our toolbox of media to use for learning. It will EXCEL in areas where it:

• Saves time
• Saves money
• Reduces danger

This is the Way.

#VRMyth #VR #VirtualReality #Debunking #LearningMyths #VRForLearning #VREducation #VRIsNoDifferentThanAnyOtherFormOfLearning

This article originally posted to LinkedIn on August 27, 2021. Updated with images as of February 18, 2026 because I don’t know, Google eats old images maybe.