So I tried to find the correct term for the fear of reality, but apparently there is none--or at least not a published word. I find this very surprising since it seems like quite an epidemic since online video games became popular. Maybe it's because I grew up playing outside without any video games that I don't understand how people can find them so much fun. Don't get me wrong, I do enjoy some Mario Kart here and there but I can not imagine dedicating 6-8 hours a day at the computer in fantasy land.
In the video Second Skin part 1, Anthony, a gaming enthusiast and expert, said "when you jump into World of Warcraft it completely takes your head away from everything." I feel people create online characters that live in made-up worlds, to try to escape from everyday trials and tribulations. Life is rough, no doubt. And everyone needs something to ease the mind and relax, which can be anything--sports, cooking, yoga, spelunking, chess, or online gaming. But as seen in the video Second Skin, some gamers have taken it to a new level. People spend over 7 hours a day playing online video games, and we can probably add a few hours for time spent gamers think about their online world. Our generation is in for a rude awakening when they realize they can't just slay any dragons that come our way. Why waste one life creating a virtual one?
It's sad to say that people are afraid of reality. It's pretty much saying that people are afraid to live. Media has created this ideal 'way of life' that makes individuals feel if they can't fit that ideal mold, then they are outcasts--failures. Why attempt to gel into an impossible mold when online games allow us to create our own? In the book 'Culture Jam' it says "the commercial media are to the mental environment what factories are to the physical environment. Commercials, TV shows, radio stations, music and all types of media are polluting our society and is forcing us into identical cookies. Sorry but I like it when all the cookies are different.
I agree with the whole mario kart analogy. I love Mario kart and I do enjoy playing it but I cannot play it for over 3 hours. I really do not understand why they enjoy playing for that long. You would think that they would lose interest in tHe game, but actually the longer they play the more that they are involved in the game. Maybe it is the fact that they want to lose touch with reality and don't want to face their real world problems. Would you agree that the real world problems make them want to be in this reality world?
ReplyDeleteDo you think it really is the media that is making people feel like failures or outcasts. Eleanor Roosevelt was quoted saying "no one can make you feel inferior without your consents." I think that Americans need to let go of this ideal world and start experiencing reality again. People will always be gossiping, but you need to be strong enough to not be affected/influenced by it. Good analysis of the Second Skin video by the way!
ReplyDeleteHA I too love Mario kart but i cannot play for hrs at a time. I think I would go mad and probably break a controller. And that quote by Mrs Roosevelt hits it on the head! I feel we have lost touch with real reality.
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