Le reality shifting, a trending phenomenon on social platforms like TikTok and Reddit, relies on various “methods” to mentally transpose users into an alternative reality. Varied techniques, ranging from guided visualization to specific rituals, promise to transform the experience of daily life by providing an escape from sometimes stressful or frustrating realities. The appeal lies in the possibility of controlling one’s own destiny and environment, shaping an identity in fictional universes, and immersing oneself in fascinating worlds. Escape is at the heart of this practice, allowing one to break free from the constraints of everyday life.
An influence of imaging technologies in our memories
Digital platforms have become a reflection of reality. The digital is omnipresent in daily life, offering continuous access to imaginary and immersive worlds. The influences of social networks, media, and artificial intelligence integrate into our perception of reality itself. Advanced imaging techniques, such as deepfakes, increasingly blur the boundaries between reality and fiction, sometimes making us doubt the limits of imagination and the nature of memories. Digital immersion is a key factor in this phenomenon.
The risk of a distortion of memory: an effect of repetitive virtual experiences
Repeated immersion in virtual worlds, characteristic of “reality shifting,” could impact memory. Our brains are programmed to record information and experiences. However, the incessant repetition of virtual situations and worlds, particularly those that increasingly intrude upon cognition, could alter the perception and memory of events. Researchers are concerned about this possible rewriting of our memories. This could ultimately create a distortion of memory, turning what was imagined into a lived reality. The consequences on memory are a crucial point to consider.
Beyond memory issues, “reality shifting” can lead to difficulties in managing everyday reality. A dissociation from experienced reality due to immersion in an alternative universe could result in a distortion of self-perception and relationships with the outside world. Questions about reality, the meaning of social bonds, and even one’s own mental health could arise from this experience. Dissociation from reality and self-questioning are significant risks to highlight.
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“Reality shifting”: a phenomenon rooted in existential concerns
The phenomenon of “reality shifting” is not just a pastime for young people. It reveals a quest for control and escape that reflects the challenges and anxieties of current society. In a perpetually evolving world where the boundaries between reality and fiction seem to blur, the need to escape, to shape an ideal reality, and to break free from social and academic pressures is more pressing than ever. The quest for identity and welfare is an essential point to understand.
In this digital age, it is more important than ever to preserve the distinction between fiction and reality. Immersion in virtual universes should not replace concrete reality, nor erase the necessary work to solve personal and environmental issues. Technology and social networks must be used with caution, maintaining an awareness of their influence.
