Virtual reality (VR) and cross reality (XR) have often been the object of dystopian misrepresentations. However, VR and XR constitute a unique opportunity to improve our lives radically. Indeed, these technologies allow extending human beings’ perceptual, cognitive, computational, and communicative skills unprecedentedly. Moreover, the third dimension they comprise – which is naturally part of the human experience – makes these technologies much more natural and intuitive than previous 2D alternatives, thus allowing much more functional user experiences. Ultimately, VR and XR – if developed in a technically appropriate and in an ethically responsible way – promise to become a welcomed integration in our everyday reality and activities soon.

In this paper, I am presenting the outcome of an experience I have undergone to demonstrate that this can be the case: namely, my “#30DaysinVR” challenge, conceived and conducted in collaboration with HTC VIVE. Thus, the paper will expand on bodily feelings, emotions, issues, discoveries, and take-home-messages that both users and programmers can derive from living in a VR environment for thirty consecutive days.