With advances of new media technologies sparking rapidly faster than ever, never before seen ways to connect the world has lead innovation to its apex. Performing tasks has never been faster, and the world seems to be revolved around a concept of maximum efficiency. But even still, there are much more that does not exist, only ideas we are dream of in science fiction.
A possible new technology of new media that has never been seen before could be a true virtual reality device. This device would involve a pair of glasses that we will wear. It will consist of complex electrodes and neurotransmitters that links to our brain. When powered on, it will transfer our mind into a central network hub, connecting us with everyone else in the world who is also using this device. This device will alter our sense of reality, from every perception of time, space, to our five senses; sight, hearing, taste, smell and touch. In this alternate universe, we will be living a virtual world; a fantasy come true. It will be almost as if an illusion is cast on us. Our sense of time will be distorted and slowed down- one day in the virtual world will be equivalent to an hour in the real world. While in the alternate reality, you may power off your device, and doing so will resume your normal status and circumstances in the real world, but you will retain and remember everything you've experienced in the virtual world also.
This technology is inspired by many science fiction media as well as many cartoons and anime, but we are no where near its possibilities. In this world, it will be living a live dream. This virtual reality would truly be a "second life." Either choose to live reality, or live a reality in which you can manipulate. You will be immortal in this virtual reality; if you die, you will respawn. Everything you feel, see, taste, smell, hear will be as real as in reality, but without consequences. Ever wanted to jump off a cliff and feel what death might feel like? Well, in this virtual world, it might just be possible. With this technology, those living in undesirable circumstances or perhaps disabled in the real world can start a new and live a better life. With the time lapse being 1/24 slower than in reality, we can live 24 times as long, experience and learn 24 times faster, and be bound with limitless possibilities.
But like with all things in life, everything comes with drawbacks. What if the brain can not withstand all the electrical signals and neuron-impulses that are being fired when coming back to reality? Can the brain withstand all that new knowledge gained throughout weeks of virtual experience all in one shot when the device deactivates? What if hackers leak a virus into the virtual world and prevent users from ever deactivating their devices? What if users are stuck in the virtual world forever? Will there be a virtual world overseer/peacekeeper or omnipotent entity to justify the actions in this virtual world? And who is to judge if his/her morals are ethically sanctified? What will become of the real world if everyone chooses to delve in this virtual world together? What will happen if we run out of energy and resources to supply this virtual world device? Wouldn't everything go back to square one? What if people find ways to exploit and hack the system, giving them almighty control of the virtual world and decide to commit a global torture ritual of some sort?
This idea of a true virtual illusional dream world fantasy might spark major controversy and may never be approved by everyone, but it might be a start of a new world era, beginning with small steps. Perhaps the ethical concerns may be too heavy to outweigh, but with ramifications, ideas should allowed to free-flow; never to be hindered without at least giving it a try and working towards a goal.
