When the French philosopher Jean Baudrillard bought his points on Hyperreality and Simulacra through his "The Precession of Simulacra" back in 1981 [1], our world was still not virtualized as much as we are today. The Star Wars still looks like synthetic studio shots, and the Jurassic Park movie was yet to debut 12 years later. Arcade games like Pole Position barely have something on their screen to catch gamers' attention. However, now immersive video games and super relative paintings are everywhere. We can even hardly tell between real and fake videos!
What is Hyperreality? As Jean Baudrillard described, the contemporary world is a simulacrum, where simultaneous images have replaced reality to such an extent that one cannot distinguish between the real and the unreal. Hyperreality is "the generation by models of a real without origin or reality" [1]
What is the evidence of Hyperreality? There is much evidence showing Hyperreality is pervasively penetrating our lives. From an early age, we see holographs, wax museums, and amusement parks like Disneyland, giving us unique adventures that we cannot encounter in the real world. Then, movies became more realistic and shared 3D and 4D experiences. Advance graphics created an imaginary world that looks so natural and presented through a series of films like the Marvel series that constructed the fantasy world. We then are not satisfied staying outside of the story. The immersive video game leads to a world with characters we can create and weapons we can assemble. Do we still remember the madness of buying Wii when it successfully incorporated motion-based controls in its game? The games become real and tangible, attracting many to indulge for hours and hours in them. The game world has become an essential part of our lives. Thus, the gaming industry has become one of the most profitable businesses. The result is more money pouring in to build even more immersive experiences. Virtual Reality (VR) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) games came into existence. Then, the AR go outside the computer screen. VR rooms are shown across the street to make the experience more realistic.
If we see gaming as still confined to playing or entertainment outside of ordinary life, we can still notice the boundary between the actual and simulated worlds. When we talk about applications beautifying pictures and videos shared with friends, business meetings in the meta world, fake news across media and the Internet, and fake identities in social media, the mingling obfuscates the boundary. We cannot tell where the limit is. Do we still feel assured when receiving a text message? Can we believe an event happened as described when reported happening on the other side of the world? Does the Golf war happen? Does the casualty matter to us, or are they symbolized as charters on a computer? The Hyperreality penetrates.
Why are we addicted to Hyperreality? Let us dive deep into why we are so addicted to Hyperreality. The first reason is simple: the virtual world is better. We have fewer restrictions and more possibilities in Hyperreality. We can have whatever appearance. We can express ourselves openly when we do not have a chance in real life. It is more satisfying because Hyperreality is a world crafted please the customer: us. Making us feel enjoyment is part of the goal. It's easy to reach. We google to look for information, follow Twitter to hear people's voices and open YouTube that browse pushed videos tailored to our interests. We are well served but trapped by not putting effort into searching for more insights and thinking independently.
What are the possible impacts of Hyperreality? The dangers of pervasive Hyperreality within our culture are apparent. We, as individuals, may lose track of the real world.
"The media represents a world that is more real than the reality that we can experience. People lose the ability to distinguish between reality and fantasy. They also begin to engage with the fantasy without realizing what it really is." [1]
Baudrillard's description suggests that Hyperreality can result in a desire to strive for an unobtainable ideal. We can lose control of our lives like the gamers of the Blue Whale Challenge [9].
Why can Hyperreality be harmful? Hyperreality can be detrimental because we have to live in the real world to breathe and eat. No matter how well the virtual world is painted in front of us, "The precession of simulacra eventually collapses, and the world eventually punches us in the face." [5] Hyperreality can be maliciously plotted and distorted. Examples include political distorting and fake news. The tech tyrant can control what we see and hear through Hyperreality. In this manipulated world, we, as individuals, are enslaved, losing our already limited freedom forever.
How can we stand on our ground dealing with Hyperreality? Well, the profit-driving business jumping to collect money from all of us envisioned an imaginary world maximizing the profits. It may be a perfect choice to stay out and connect with real people outside of it whenever possible. Have a cup of tea, and taste it. Join a chat, and engage with real friends. Read thoughts from direct subscription, and listen to updates not filtered and ranked by search engines or social media. It is probably the last piece of freedom that we can insist on.
What is Hyperreality? As Jean Baudrillard described, the contemporary world is a simulacrum, where simultaneous images have replaced reality to such an extent that one cannot distinguish between the real and the unreal. Hyperreality is "the generation by models of a real without origin or reality" [1]
What is the evidence of Hyperreality? There is much evidence showing Hyperreality is pervasively penetrating our lives. From an early age, we see holographs, wax museums, and amusement parks like Disneyland, giving us unique adventures that we cannot encounter in the real world. Then, movies became more realistic and shared 3D and 4D experiences. Advance graphics created an imaginary world that looks so natural and presented through a series of films like the Marvel series that constructed the fantasy world. We then are not satisfied staying outside of the story. The immersive video game leads to a world with characters we can create and weapons we can assemble. Do we still remember the madness of buying Wii when it successfully incorporated motion-based controls in its game? The games become real and tangible, attracting many to indulge for hours and hours in them. The game world has become an essential part of our lives. Thus, the gaming industry has become one of the most profitable businesses. The result is more money pouring in to build even more immersive experiences. Virtual Reality (VR) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) games came into existence. Then, the AR go outside the computer screen. VR rooms are shown across the street to make the experience more realistic.
If we see gaming as still confined to playing or entertainment outside of ordinary life, we can still notice the boundary between the actual and simulated worlds. When we talk about applications beautifying pictures and videos shared with friends, business meetings in the meta world, fake news across media and the Internet, and fake identities in social media, the mingling obfuscates the boundary. We cannot tell where the limit is. Do we still feel assured when receiving a text message? Can we believe an event happened as described when reported happening on the other side of the world? Does the Golf war happen? Does the casualty matter to us, or are they symbolized as charters on a computer? The Hyperreality penetrates.
Why are we addicted to Hyperreality? Let us dive deep into why we are so addicted to Hyperreality. The first reason is simple: the virtual world is better. We have fewer restrictions and more possibilities in Hyperreality. We can have whatever appearance. We can express ourselves openly when we do not have a chance in real life. It is more satisfying because Hyperreality is a world crafted please the customer: us. Making us feel enjoyment is part of the goal. It's easy to reach. We google to look for information, follow Twitter to hear people's voices and open YouTube that browse pushed videos tailored to our interests. We are well served but trapped by not putting effort into searching for more insights and thinking independently.
What are the possible impacts of Hyperreality? The dangers of pervasive Hyperreality within our culture are apparent. We, as individuals, may lose track of the real world.
"The media represents a world that is more real than the reality that we can experience. People lose the ability to distinguish between reality and fantasy. They also begin to engage with the fantasy without realizing what it really is." [1]
Baudrillard's description suggests that Hyperreality can result in a desire to strive for an unobtainable ideal. We can lose control of our lives like the gamers of the Blue Whale Challenge [9].
Why can Hyperreality be harmful? Hyperreality can be detrimental because we have to live in the real world to breathe and eat. No matter how well the virtual world is painted in front of us, "The precession of simulacra eventually collapses, and the world eventually punches us in the face." [5] Hyperreality can be maliciously plotted and distorted. Examples include political distorting and fake news. The tech tyrant can control what we see and hear through Hyperreality. In this manipulated world, we, as individuals, are enslaved, losing our already limited freedom forever.
How can we stand on our ground dealing with Hyperreality? Well, the profit-driving business jumping to collect money from all of us envisioned an imaginary world maximizing the profits. It may be a perfect choice to stay out and connect with real people outside of it whenever possible. Have a cup of tea, and taste it. Join a chat, and engage with real friends. Read thoughts from direct subscription, and listen to updates not filtered and ranked by search engines or social media. It is probably the last piece of freedom that we can insist on.
