The Virtue of 'Real' vs Virtual Reality

I've really been struck lately with the stark contrast between real life and being plugged in. At this very moment, I'm lying on the couch typing on my laptop (5 other tabs open, plus 1 spreadsheet), my headphones are in with the iPod churning out some Jars of Clay/Relient K, and the tv is switched on to the end of the Twins game. Oh, and my cell phone is slowly rising up and down on my chest, vibrating with the occasional text message. That's - wait, let me count - 9 virtual stimuli bombarding me at this very moment, all by my choice, and here's the kicker - I'm feeling rather bored. My first desire? Throw in a movie or switch on a video game.

It's a little sickening.

It seems to me this virtual reality thing is becoming a pandemic - just like obesity or divorce or a thousand other sinister things our generation is struggling with. There are incredible benefits to some of the things we have - communicating around the world at the speed of light or a limitless supply of free information at your finger tips. And some of it is just plain cool - today I read about a $700 brain scanner currently on the market that you can program to control simple robots using thoughts and feelings. That's pretty wicked awesome. But I became significantly more aware today of some of the setbacks...

I think the two biggest virtual problems in our country today are video games and pornography (Don't worry - I'm aiming for a PG rating). The desire to forget who you are, what's happening in your (real) life around you, and instead substitute whatever you like in its place, is an incredibly enticing desire to millions of people - especially men. In the safety of your own mind or perhaps a remote server somewhere in China instead, you get to dictate what you look like, how you act, what your flaws are (if any), what to do with the people and things around you. It doesn't sound like a problem - and therein lies the danger.

Because the more time you spend in a virtual world that you control, the less satisfied you'll become with reality, the world where things happen that you don't always like and can't always control. I find myself unconsciously comparing the two constantly. 'If only those two buildings were a little further apart, that sunset would be beautiful enough to use as my desktop background.' Or 'If only our paths crossed as often as they did in that movie, then we'd be together for sure!' Or whatever you can think of. And the fact is, nature and the real world can't compare to the creations of our imagination - at least until we realize that what we picture as perfect often isn't good at all; it's lethal.

Using example #2 - a picture of the most beautiful woman in the world can never, will never compare with a living, dynamic relationship with any real woman. The very concept is disgusting. But it's a lie that comes in many forms - fill in the blank. How does reality compare with your ideal relationship/job/self-image/day/party/meal/conversation? There's always the lie that the next one will be perfect, will fulfill you. But it won't.

One last word: there's no judging on my part - if it's coming across that way, it's pure hypocrisy. The current lie I'm believing - 'That video game is captivating enough to entertain you until bedtime. Or maybe you should continue communicating through your blog - that's even more fulfilling!'

Counter the lies with truth - my roommates are across the room. Unplug.