How Virtual Reality Is Being Used to Improve Life in Prison

For years, solitary confinement has stripped individuals of human contact, emotional expression, and even hope. Isolation is known to trigger depression, anxiety, and cognitive damage, often leaving lasting effects that extend far beyond prison walls. In response to this silent crisis, a new approach is quietly reshaping the landscape inside California prisons — using virtual reality not as a form of entertainment, but as a powerful tool for emotional rehabilitation.

Developed by Sabra Williams and her nonprofit Creative Acts, the virtual reality program was designed to address the profound emotional void created by solitary confinement. Inmates participate in a structured seven-day experience, where they virtually step into scenes of everyday life — visiting distant places, walking through cities, attending family gatherings, and engaging in activities like breathing exercises, painting, and poetry. Each session is carefully crafted to stimulate cognitive pathways, revive empathy, and rebuild emotional strength.

The program is currently active in several correctional facilities across California. It combines virtual reality sessions with reflective exercises to help participants retain and apply the emotional skills practiced during the experience. Reports indicate a 96% decrease in disciplinary infractions among participants, and some institutions have closed solitary confinement units following improvements in inmate behavior. In addition to behavioral changes, facilitators have reported noticeable improvements in emotional regulation, self-awareness, and interpersonal interaction among participants.