Members of China’s Communist Party (CPC) in Qingyang town, Binzhou city, in East China’s Shandong Province are the first to undergo a virtual reality (VR) loyalty and qualities test. 

As well as being great for simulating a roller-coaster, virtual reality is also seemingly a great way to help people cope with non-virtual reality experiences, too. For example, preparing Colorado inmates for the real world after prison.

China’s Communist Party (CPC) is now using the technology for a similarly real world yet slightly intimidating cause. In order to check loyalty within the party, the CPC now requires its members to take a unique virtual reality test.

To do this, the party recently installed a virtual reality testing facility in one of their service centers. It cost 700,000 yuan ($110,082) and came into service last month.

The test is designed to determine whether individuals have the necessary qualities for membership, according to official media. They add that members of the CPC in Qingyang town, Binzhou city, in East China’s Shandong Province are the first to undergo tests.

To take the test, party members must wear a VR headset and hold a remote control. They then enter a virtual room to answer 30 questions. The results of the “dangxing” (or “party spirit”) test will show whether a member is loyal, a good role model, and willing to contribute to the people and the CPC.

Questions Asked by the CPC in the VR Room

The 30 questions posed include everything from details about a member’s daily life to their understanding of the party’s “pioneering role” and theory. One such question that has been revealed is, ”Do you agree that if you are not corrupt you will be marginalized?”

Although this question appears purposely designed to trip up even the most loyal members, the party states that it is simply a way of determining an individual’s weak points.

Once these weak points are sussed out, members will speak to experts. This consultation will offer guidance or counseling on a face-to-face or remote basis.

However, Cai Zhiqiang, a professor at the Party School of the CPC Central Committee in Beijing, told the Global Times on Sunday that “VR testing needs a more scientific basis to affirm the reliability of the test results,” adding: “Dangxing tests should be used to find out how to enhance CPC members’ political quality and their capabilities to serve the people, and also how to promote local development.”

Source: Global Times
Image Source: Wikimedia & Economic Times