This blog post delves deeply into whether augmented reality is merely a means of escaping reality or a technology that opens up new experiences and possibilities.
My first encounter with augmented reality was through the game ‘Pokémon GO’. Pokémon Go achieved explosive popularity, reaching #1 in both the paid and free charts on the App Store within 24 hours of its release. This simple app introduced us to augmented reality (AR).
Augmented reality is a branch of virtual reality. It’s a computer graphics technology that synthesizes virtual objects or information into the real environment, making them appear as if they originally existed there. This technology combines virtual objects with the real-world environment, providing additional information that is difficult to obtain through reality alone. It enhances the real-world experience by overlaying virtual images onto the actual video the user is viewing. For example, using augmented reality technology can alter the very nature of a physical space when entering a specific information-enabled area. Thanks to these characteristics, augmented reality can be applied to various real-world environments and is receiving significant attention in entertainment industries like gaming. In particular, augmented reality is gaining prominence as a next-generation display technology well-suited for ubiquitous (always-present) environments.
We will witness tremendous technological advancements in augmented reality in the near future. It is entirely realistic to imagine increasingly refined augmented reality becoming an integral part of our lives. When that vision becomes reality, many people will spend more time in this ‘virtual reality’. Just as smartphones have deeply embedded themselves in our lives, augmented reality will claim its place. However, the nature of augmented reality demands attention. If it becomes so near-perfect that it replaces reality, the escapist tendencies inherent in this technology cannot be ignored.
The theme of escapism is already sparking significant debate, even before augmented reality has become mainstream. News stories about parents neglecting their children due to gaming addiction or young people dying after excessive gaming are not uncommon. As mentioned earlier, augmented reality holds limitless potential for gaming. Consequently, some argue that augmented reality could become a substitute for life, leading to serious problems. They emphasize the harsh realities of modern life and are convinced augmented reality is compelling enough to capture people’s attention. They warn that augmented reality will ensnare people, offering temporary respite like a drug. They even envision a future where, much like in the novel ‘Ready Player One,’ many people escape their depressing and hopeless reality by spending time inside virtual reality consoles.
These arguments hold merit. Hallucinogenic drugs are legally banned, but there is no reason to prohibit augmented reality technology. Currently, the development of better consumer products is encouraged, suggesting augmented reality will evolve into an even more entertaining and addictive technology. With such an appealing interface, augmented reality will extend a tempting hand to us. However, it would be premature to conclude that augmented reality will be used solely as a means of escapism.
First, augmented reality can function as a tool to mitigate the indifference and selfishness prevalent in modern society. Through augmented reality, we gain new capabilities. We become able to do things we couldn’t before and see things we couldn’t see before. Herein lies augmented reality’s greatest value: not merely escapism, but fostering stronger bonds. Connections between humans through technology have sparked much debate. Questions like “Is indirectly accessing the world truly acceptable?” and “Is moving fingers all there is to human networks?” have been raised. Yet, the introduction of augmented reality could resolve these issues. Through diverse experiences, we can tangibly feel another person’s perspective and reality, fostering deeper understanding and relationships between individuals.
Furthermore, research from Georgia State University in the US warrants attention. This study demonstrates that interactions within virtual worlds leave residual effects on thought patterns and behavior in the real world. Consider, for instance, a soldier suffering from violence and bullying within the military. This soldier would likely be in a state of helplessness and suffering. Changing the long-standing culture within the military is difficult, and even if help is sought, the problem may not be resolved. However, if this soldier experiences a simulated reality free of violence and bullying through augmented reality, that experience could intensify their longing for a non-violent military life and motivate them to take more proactive action. In this case, augmented reality serves not merely as escapism, but as a seed cultivating the transformation of reality. Of course, breaking through the walls of reality won’t be easy. This point could be used to argue that augmented reality encourages escapism. However, once one recognizes the value of small victories, the precious experience augmented reality offers cannot be dismissed.
Finally, even if augmented reality is used as a means of escapism, there is no reason to view it entirely negatively. The desire for escapism is a fundamental human need that has been studied for a long time. In this context, augmented reality can instead be seen as a healthy outlet for this desire. Escapism is the desire to leave an unsatisfactory reality. However, completely escaping reality is impossible. This is where augmented reality can emerge like a savior. When the subject seeks to escape reality yet cannot fully abandon it, augmented reality synthesizes virtual information with reality to create a new, better reality.
For this reason, when augmented reality is used as a substitute for life, it cannot be viewed solely negatively. As pointed out by opposing views, the possibility of augmented reality being misused cannot be entirely ruled out. Nevertheless, augmented reality will come to us as an exciting technology. Anyone seeking wondrous experiences should grasp the hand of augmented reality. Rather than viewing this hand as a dark hand to be struck down, it is preferable to see it as a window of new opportunity and seize it.
