Katie Madigan
In a world that is constantly advancing in technology, one fear dominates—the gradual disassociation from the real world. Since the release of the Apple Vision Pro in early February, this fear has been exemplified, only strengthening our connection with the digital world. While some choose not to engage with the latest software, we must recognize the stronghold technological evolutions have had on us historically and currently.
The product is a $3,499 pair of goggles crafted from glass and aluminum, yet its power expands beyond mere materials. It contributes to our growing connection with an alternate digital reality polarizing us from planet Earth. You know—the one we have been living on for the past 6 million years. Although some may characterize the Vision Pro as a Virtual Reality device, a fully immersive world, Apple’s goggles actually use spatial computing, meant to mimic the real world. While the goggles do have the option to provide a fully immersive experience, they also have the option to only somewhat dial into the computerized world just with a twist of the dial, blurring the line between the physical and digital world.
With a camera acting as the user’s eye lens, it would only be practical for a computer to reflect one’s eyes on the exterior, right? Through scanning software within the goggles, users’ eye movements are tracked by every glance or glare and are then mirrored outside of the goggles for others to stare into while interacting. How fun.
But why stop with eyes when Apple can imitate more? With their new feature “Personas,” individuals are now able to create a digital avatar of themselves to be displayed on any application using the front camera. While this could sound like a dystopian novel or an episode of “Black Mirror,” just know, in an interview with Wired, the show’s creator Charlie Brooker thinks the same thing. Having these uncanny personas available for any video call may seem somewhat practical until you see the lifeless hair that is supposed to represent flowing locks on your avatar, which is less presentable than forgetting to brush your hair in the morning.
Now these “Personas” are still a work in progress, along with every other feature in this product. The Vision Pro is only the beginning of revolutionized technology that will become more mainstream in years to come.
While these innovations can be viewed as somewhat helpful or useful, in reality, this product will only promote a disconnect from the real world and further our isolation that has already been hindered by a global pandemic. When spending the whole day wearing a pair of these goggles, it is almost inevitable that users will become more disillusioned with reality and more captivated by virtual ones. As a society, we need to become more mindful of how we use these new devices. By limiting screen time on the Vision Pro, or just opting not to purchase the product in general we can help build a greater reality for ourselves and those around us.
