Quote Originally Posted by Loaf View Post
But this is direct interaction with a personal in reality. I heard about a study once that showed the brain responds differently to communication online, even if its video chat, then when you are face to face with another human being. I propose that in the dream it would be similar, and the mixture of that, an altered conscious state, and unrealistic bizarre conversation and reaction from DCs will dampen any social growth on the dreamers part.
I'm not proposing that there isn't a "difference," but I think that a simulation is still effective in presenting conditions that can help familiarize yourself with a scenario. Even video games have been shown to increase cognitive performance in situations. Granted, it may not be to the same degree as interacting with an actual person. I don't think anyone is making that declaration. But does it help? I think it does. Do you have any evidence that it's completely ineffective? Because most of what I've seen points to the contrary.