We're getting closer to OASIS, a virtual world depicted in Ready Player One that much of humanity uses to escape from reality. Superior technology is only one part of the equation. Disappearing into an alternative universe for extensive periods of time becomes appealing when the simulation is (i) believable enough and (ii) better than the real world in some sense. We're starting to see inklings of both catalysts.
I've tried multiple VR headsets and have generally been impressed with the visuals (and less so with the audio). However, motion sickness is still a real problem for some users, and the headset can become uncomfortable even after minutes of wear. Disregarding these basic usability issues, which should be addressed as systems improve and shrink over time, there's still the issue that leaving out three sensory inputs (touch, smell, taste) reduces the realism.
Theme parks have done a respectable job at showcasing the possibilities of virtual worlds. Avatar Flight of Passage creates an immersive experience by integrating smell and touch during the ride, but most of us don't have the cash or space to build such an elaborate setup at home. That's why I was so impressed with the haptic feedback and dynamic adaptive triggers of the new PS5 controller, which makes players feel physically connected to what's happening on screen by simulating the feeling of being in an environment. It's hard to predict what the specific technology will look like, but in decades we might see a VR device similar to the one in Black Mirror's "Striking Vipers" episode that directly connects to the brain. Neural sensors read the mind, and electrical impulses stimulate the brain to mimic bodily sensations.
As far as I know, 2020 was the first time California simultaneously had a severe pandemic and raging wildfires. While in previous years, we could hide indoors in malls, restaurants, and offices to escape the smoke, COVID-19 left us without these options. The outdoors was supposed to provide that safe environment to exercise and destress, but the air pollution that turned the skies orange rendered that safety hatch useless. It was an awakening because it was the first time many privileged people could not turn a blind eye to the effects of climate change. A VR fitness app called Supernatural ended up being my 30 minutes of escape each day, where I could work out in far-flung places currently closed off to travel from the comfort of my living room.
Will we become virtual beings when the apocalypse comes? In a world that becomes more uninhabitable year after year, we might end up permanently seeking that escape from reality. It's mighty depressing to imagine the bleakness that awaits us if we don't turn the ship around, but we shouldn't let fatalism get in the way. There's still time to mobilize and engage and find the political and social willpower to correct course. Let's build a world where we have the option of an endlessly gratifying virtual universe but still choose to venture outside because it's more natural, genuine, human, messy, beautiful...
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