A discussion on whether augmented reality is a dangerous technology that encourages escapism, or a useful tool to mitigate apathy and selfishness in the modern world and open up new possibilities.
My first experience with augmented reality was through the game Pokémon Go, which exploded onto the app store scene within 24 hours of its release, becoming the top grossing game and the number one free app on the app store charts. This simple app introduced us to augmented reality (AR).
Augmented reality, a branch of virtual reality, is a computer graphics technology that synthesizes virtual objects or information into the real world to make it appear as if they were always there. By superimposing virtual objects on top of real-world environments, the technology provides additional information that is hard to get from reality alone. By superimposing a virtual image on the real image you’re looking at, the effect of reality is enhanced. For example, with augmented reality technology, the very nature of a physical space can change when you enter a particular informational space. These features make augmented reality applicable to a wide variety of real-world environments, and it is also gaining traction in entertainment businesses such as gaming. In particular, augmented reality is being touted as the next-generation display technology for ubiquitous environments.
We will witness tremendous technological advancements in augmented reality in the near future. It’s not unrealistic to imagine augmented reality becoming a part of our lives as it is increasingly perfected, and when it does, many of us will spend more time in this “virtual reality”. Just as smartphones have become ingrained in our lives, so will augmented reality, but it’s important to note the nature of augmented reality. If augmented reality is ever perfected enough to replace reality, it will be impossible to ignore its escapist tendencies.
The topic of escapism is currently highly controversial, even at a time when augmented reality hasn’t yet been popularized. In the news, we’re constantly hearing about parents neglecting their children because they’re addicted to gaming, or young people dying while playing games. As mentioned earlier, augmented reality has endless possibilities for gaming, so some people argue that it will become a substitute for life and cause serious problems. They emphasize the hustle and bustle of modern life, and are convinced that augmented reality is enough to grab their attention. They warn that augmented reality will be like a drug, captivating people in exchange for a brief respite. They envision a future where, like in the novel Ready Player One, many people will spend their time inside virtual reality consoles to escape a depressing and hopeless reality.
These arguments have merit. While psychedelic drugs have been banned by law, there’s no reason to ban augmented reality technology. Even now, the development of better consumer products is being encouraged, which suggests that augmented reality will only get more fun and addictive. With such a compelling interface, augmented reality will be very tempting, but it’s a mistake to assume that it will only be used as an escape from reality.
For one thing, it can function as a tool to mitigate the apathy and selfishness that is so prevalent in modern society. Augmented reality gives us new skills. We can do things we couldn’t do before, see things we couldn’t see before, and that’s where we find the greatest value of augmented reality. The connection between humans through technology has caused a lot of controversy. Questions like “Is it really okay to access the world indirectly?” and “Is a human network all about moving our fingers?” have been raised. But with augmented reality, these issues can be resolved. Through a variety of experiences, we’ll be able to feel the perspective and reality of others, which can lead to a deeper understanding and connection between people.
It’s also worth noting the results of a study from Georgia State University in the US. This study shows that interaction with virtual worlds leaves a residual effect on the way we think and act in the real world. For example, consider a soldier who is subjected to violence and bullying in the military. Changing a long-standing military culture is difficult, and reaching out for help is unlikely to solve the problem. However, if this soldier is exposed to a fake reality free of violence and bullying through augmented reality, the experience may reinforce his desire for a violence-free military life, and inspire him to take more proactive action. Of course, breaking through the walls of reality won’t be easy, which is why some might argue that augmented reality encourages escapism, but if you recognize the value of small victories, you won’t be able to ignore these valuable experiences.
Finally, even if augmented reality is used as a means of escapism, there’s no reason to view it entirely negatively. The need to escape is a basic human need that has been studied for ages. In this context, augmented reality can be seen as a healthy outlet for that need. Escapism is the desire to leave an unsatisfying reality, but it’s impossible to escape it completely. This is where augmented reality can come in as a savior. When a subject wants to escape reality but cannot completely abandon it, augmented reality synthesizes virtual information with reality to create a new, better reality.
For these reasons, when augmented reality is used as a replacement for life, it shouldn’t be viewed as a negative. As the dissent points out, the potential for inappropriate use of augmented reality cannot be completely ruled out. But augmented reality is a technology that should excite us. Anyone who wants to experience the wonders of augmented reality should reach out and grab hold of it. Rather than seeing it as a hand of darkness and shooing it away, we should see it as a window of opportunity.
