Plato's cave again

Watch this and ask yourself: Where is the really dangerous illusion here?



Is there really a risk that people might mistake illusion for reality? Or is the real risk that we will once again fall for Plato's con job?

Yes it's a documentary and those are real people whose lives have been ruined by their obsession with this game. But I can also think of people who have ruined their life, marriages and health over other games. A guy I know threw his career, marriage and health down the drain because he decided that he could become a successful singer-songwriter. I've know girls who flunked out of high school while they tried to become models. There are people who spent the rent and grocery money on lottery tickets every month.

The thing that makes this tick is the sense that virtual reality might get to be so compelling that we won't be able to tell the difference anymore. But do you really think that is possible? Do you worry that virtual sex will get to be as good as real sex? If you do, you're doing it wrong.


PS: I'd bet dollars to donuts that some moralist with too much time on their hands is already writing a terribly distraught piece in response to this movie about the effects this sort of virtual reality will have on marriage, complete with a checklist of things worried spouses should keep an eye out for.

Of course, if you are already worried enough to be looking for signs that your spouse is focused elsewhere (be it virtual reality, porn or whatever), perhaps the real problem is you. Just a thought.