Virtual and augmented reality make it all too easy to bring escapist fantasies IRL. Mankind has always sought escapism from telling stories around a campfire to losing themselves in a movie. Increasing political, economic, and social turbulence in the “real world” has many people in need of a break.
Fortunately, there are more media channels to escape from reality than ever before. It is the best of times, and the worst of times.
AR and VR is one of the most recent mediums. It’s still seen as mostly a gaming platform, but it’s also gaining use in education, training, and marketing spheres. As the tech is improves, prices come down, and more practical applications emerge we will see a lot more fully-immersive fantasylands.
