In this blog post, we will explore in depth whether augmented reality is a simple means of escaping reality or a technology that opens up new experiences and possibilities.
I first came across augmented reality through a game called Pokémon Go. Pokémon Go became an instant hit, topping the App Store’s top-grossing and free charts just 24 hours after its release. This simple app introduced us to augmented reality (AR).
Augmented reality is a branch of virtual reality, a computer graphics technology that synthesizes virtual objects or information into a real environment to make them appear as if they were originally there. This technology combines virtual objects on top of a real-world environment to provide additional information that is difficult to obtain through reality alone. It increases the effect of reality by overlaying virtual images on the actual images that the user is seeing. For example, using augmented reality technology can change the nature of physical space itself when you enter a specific information-based space. Thanks to these features, augmented reality can be applied to various real-life environments, and it is also receiving a lot of attention in the entertainment industry, such as games. In particular, augmented reality is being hailed as the next-generation display technology suitable for a ubiquitous (always-present) environment.
We will witness tremendous technological advancements in augmented reality in the near future. It is a realistic enough imagination that augmented reality, which is becoming more and more perfect, will become a part of our lives. When that imagination becomes a reality, many people will spend more time in this “virtual reality.” Just as smartphones have become an integral part of our lives, augmented reality will take its place. However, it is important to note the nature of augmented reality. If augmented reality becomes so perfect that it replaces reality, the escapist nature of this technology cannot be ignored.
The topic of escapism is currently causing a lot of controversy even though augmented reality is not yet popular. In the news, you can often hear stories of parents who neglect their children because they are addicted to games or of young people who die because they play games all the time. As mentioned earlier, augmented reality has endless possibilities for games. Therefore, some people argue that augmented reality will become a substitute for life and cause serious problems. They emphasize the harsh reality of modern people and are convinced that augmented reality is enough to grab their attention. They warn that augmented reality will captivate people in exchange for providing a moment of respite like a drug. They also envision a future where, like in the novel “Ready Player One,” many people spend their time inside virtual reality consoles to escape the depressing and hopeless reality.
This argument has some merit. While psychedelic drugs are banned by law, there is no reason to ban augmented reality technology. Currently, the development of better consumer products is being encouraged, which suggests that augmented reality will develop into a more fun and addictive technology. Augmented reality, with its attractive interface, will be a great temptation for us. However, it is premature to conclude that augmented reality will only be used as a means of escaping reality.
First of all, augmented reality can function as a tool to alleviate the indifference and selfishness that are prevalent in modern society. Through augmented reality, we gain new skills. We can do things that we couldn’t do before, and we can see things that we couldn’t see before. This is where we can find the greatest value of augmented reality. It’s not just about escaping, but about creating a stronger sense of connection. Connecting people through technology has caused a lot of controversy. Questions have been raised such as, “Is it really okay to access the world indirectly?” and “Is the human network just about moving your fingers?” However, these problems can be solved with the introduction of augmented reality. We can experience other people’s perspectives and realities through various experiences, which leads to deeper understanding and relationships between people.
It is also worth noting the results of a study by Georgia State University in the United States. The study shows that interactions with virtual worlds have residual effects on the way we think and behave in the real world. For example, consider a soldier in the military who is suffering from violence and bullying. This soldier will be in a state of helplessness and suffering. Changing the culture of the military, which has been in place for a long time, is difficult, and asking for help is unlikely to solve the problem. However, if this soldier experiences a fake reality free of violence and bullying through augmented reality, the experience may strengthen his desire for a military life free of violence and encourage him to take more active action. In this case, augmented reality is not a simple escape from reality, but a seed that nurtures the transformation of reality. Of course, breaking through the walls of reality will not be easy. For this reason, it can be argued that augmented reality encourages escapism. However, once you learn the value of small victories, you will not be able to ignore the valuable experiences that augmented reality provides.
Finally, even if augmented reality is used as a means of escapism, there is no reason to view it entirely negatively. The desire to escape reality is a basic human desire that has been studied for a long time. In this context, augmented reality can be seen as a healthy way to release desires. Escapism is the desire to escape from an unsatisfying reality. However, it is impossible to completely escape from reality. At this time, augmented reality can appear like a savior. When the subject wants to escape from reality but cannot completely give up reality, augmented reality synthesizes virtual information into reality to create a new, better reality.
For this reason, when augmented reality is used as a substitute for life, it cannot be viewed negatively. As the opposing opinion points out, the possibility of augmented reality being used inappropriately cannot be completely ruled out. However, augmented reality will come to us as a technology that excites us. Anyone who wants to have a wonderful experience should grasp the hand of augmented reality. Rather than seeing this as a dark hand, I think it is better to see it as a window of new opportunities and seize it.
