Too much time in virtual reality means less concern for real world

I worry that the society of gamers will no longer live in the natural world. When the gaming world is better than the normal world, where one doesn’t have to experience real problems like pain, in a world where you can be whatever you want to be, big or small or strong – people would no longer take care of the world around them, because they’d be more concerned with their virtual worlds, perhaps more beautiful than reality.

This is possible. I think when we look at how cell phones took over, that everyone is now on their phones, it makes clear new captivating technology can influence behavior for the long-term. I think many people are addicted to their phones now, viewing Instagram and scrolling without realizing it, etc. When people use their phones like this, they forget about other responsibilities, like cleaning up their rooms, even eating. People who spend much time on their cell phones lose their connection to the natural world.

There are other examples of this. “Ready Player One” is film about how teens enter a virtual world with treadmills and goggles. You can drive cars, be a different person, fight in wars. Meanwhile the actual earthly world is covered in trash and most people live in poverty, but they don’t concern themselves with the material world, because the virtual world is better.

The gaming and social media companies will advertise this as well: you should buy this – and when they make a product nicer, we do buy it. Be mindful. Don’t spend too much time in virtual reality, lest you forget the real world.