16. Digital Placebos: The Power of Virtual Treatment
A new frontier in medicine is emerging with digital placebos—using virtual reality experiences and smartphone apps to harness belief-driven healing. Early research suggests these digital interventions can effectively manage pain and reduce anxiety, even when no active treatment is involved.
This innovation demonstrates how the placebo effect adapts to modern technology, offering fresh possibilities for patient care. For more, see the MIT Technology Review discussion on digital placebos.