Willem Paul Brickman is a researcher and investigete the interaction between a machine and a man. He wants to use virtual reality and avatars  to treat some phobias like the fear of fly or the fear to the insects such us cockroaches. For example someone that is receiving a treatment with virtual reality and has fear to fly. Is going to be in a virtual airport and then he in going to be in the plane and they are going to familiarize with those sensation and the person is going to overcame his fear to fly. They do similars things with the others phobias. With people that suffers acrophobia they shows a mall and the persons starts to be fifth floor, sixth floor and little by little they starts to be in higher places. Or with the social phobias, for example if for someone is difficult to talk with others persons they can use virtual reality to become a little bit more social. In his case, he ask for a volunteer in the audience to have a blind date with a virtual girl 

OPINION

This idea, in my opinion, is very interesting and can be used to help people to confront their fears in a easily way without necessity of spending a lot of money.