'Hyper-Reality,' a short film by Keiichi Matsuda, tells the story of a woman whose identity is stolen, but it's also a look at a future in which personally embedded AR technology dominates consumers' lived experiences. Though the viewpoint in the first-person video is still incredibly far from today's examples of augmented reality, Matsuda's film presses viewers to consider the dangerous possibilities of an over-reliance on them.
While stylistically futuristic, many aspects of Hyper-Reality are eerily similar to consumers' current uses of technology. Zoning out to a mindless game while killing time on the bus, asking apps for directions and dressing up silly online avatars are just a few of the behaviors depicted in the film.
As popular TV shows like Mr. Robot and Black Mirror also elucidate, for all the potential benefits of digitized environments and AR technology, 'Hyper-Reality' shows that many are also feeling the anxiety of what could happen if those developments are left unchecked.
Pernicious Augmented Realiy Films
'Hyper-Reality' Takes a Dystopian Look at AR Technology
Trend Themes
1. Over-reliance on AR Technology - As AR technology advances, businesses must be wary of the dangers of over-reliance on it.
2. Digitized Environments Anxiety - As more consumers immerse themselves in digitized environments, businesses must address and alleviate concerns surrounding anxiety and over-stimulation.
3. Identity Theft in AR - As personal AR technology becomes more embedded, businesses must implement strong security measures to protect against identity theft and other cyber threats.
Industry Implications
1. Technology Industry - The technology industry should focus on creating safeguards and procedures for mitigating the risks associated with immersive AR technology.
2. Entertainment Industry - The entertainment industry should consider creating thought-provoking media like 'Hyper-Reality' to raise awareness about the potential effects of AR technology on society.
3. Security Industry - The security industry should focus on developing innovative solutions to protect against identity theft and other cyber threats that could emerge in an AR-dominated world.