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I liked the ad. (even though I dislike Facebook and Zuckerburg with at least a bit of passion) I see a ton of comments about how it encourages people to escape

I liked the ad. (even though I dislike Facebook and Zuckerburg with at least a bit of passion) I see a ton of comments about how it encourages people to escape the depressing real world. How many of you play deeply immersive video games? I don't, but so many of my friends do. It depresses me sometimes, for the same reason that people find that video depressing. I really don't see the difference. That's not to say immersive video games are bad, or even that taking a break from often-shitty reality is a bad thing. I just think perspective and balance is needed. My biggest issue with the concept of Meta-verse (which to me is nothing different Second Life almost 20 years ago, albeit the tech has improved), is that it will be owned by a company that values engagement so much higher than the overall well-being of its users. If it was anyone but Facebook (and it's still freaking Facebook, despite their renaming of the company when they were in the middle of a publicity crisis), I'd be a lot more excited about it. Still, whoever put this video together deserves some kudos. I thought it was very well done. I think the "wouldn't it be nice to die?" angle was undeserved and highly biased.

0x4d464d48 5y ago
"I don't, but so many of my friends do. It depresses me sometimes, for the same reason that people find that video depressing. I really don't see the difference." The difference is I felt guilty as hell when I sacricied things I could look forward to in my real life day for a one day 20 hour DOTA binge. The greivance the author highlights in the article that Meta seems to paint a picture where the Metaverse is the only palatable escape from a cruel, indifferent world that has no place for you. Me playing too much DOTA -> wasting time that couldve been put to better use making a better more fulfilling life for myself in exchange for a dopamine hit. Me engaing with the Metaverse too much -> No such thing. You're real life is depressing, intractable and out of your control. This is the last place you'll be able to find any semblance of joy. Thats not to say that any engagement with the Metaverse will be inherantly unhealthy. If Facebook's history of increasing user engagement with little to no scruples is any indication I don't blame people for being concerned about a dangerous flavor of escapism being promoted.
- robbrown451 5y ago
  "The difference is I felt guilty as hell when I sacricied things I could look forward to in my real life day for a one day 20 hour DOTA binge." That's how I would feel too.... I just get the impression that most here don't have that sort of negativity toward video games (and the way they can pull you away from "real life" things) but meanwhile feel such hostility toward this.
  - 0x4d464d48 5y ago
    I can only speak for myself but I know the kind of person you're talking about. It's funny. I remember being young and being told not to do drugs to "escape reality". Escaping reality seems to be almost sacrosanct these days...
    - robbrown451 5y ago
      Heh, yeah I was told that too but I figured the drugs were also reality, but from an interesting new perspective. :)
vba616 5y ago
>I think the "wouldn't it be nice to die?" angle was undeserved and highly biased It is saying "wouldn't it be nice to be in a nursing home, if you had VR".

0x4d464d48 5y ago

"I don't, but so many of my friends do. It depresses me sometimes, for the same reason that people find that video depressing. I really don't see the difference." The difference is I felt guilty as hell when I sacricied things I could look forward to in my real life day for a one day 20 hour DOTA binge. The greivance the author highlights in the article that Meta seems to paint a picture where the Metaverse is the only palatable escape from a cruel, indifferent world that has no place for you. Me playing too much DOTA -> wasting time that couldve been put to better use making a better more fulfilling life for myself in exchange for a dopamine hit. Me engaing with the Metaverse too much -> No such thing. You're real life is depressing, intractable and out of your control. This is the last place you'll be able to find any semblance of joy. Thats not to say that any engagement with the Metaverse will be inherantly unhealthy. If Facebook's history of increasing user engagement with little to no scruples is any indication I don't blame people for being concerned about a dangerous flavor of escapism being promoted.

robbrown451 5y ago
"The difference is I felt guilty as hell when I sacricied things I could look forward to in my real life day for a one day 20 hour DOTA binge." That's how I would feel too.... I just get the impression that most here don't have that sort of negativity toward video games (and the way they can pull you away from "real life" things) but meanwhile feel such hostility toward this.
- 0x4d464d48 5y ago
  I can only speak for myself but I know the kind of person you're talking about. It's funny. I remember being young and being told not to do drugs to "escape reality". Escaping reality seems to be almost sacrosanct these days...
  - robbrown451 5y ago
    Heh, yeah I was told that too but I figured the drugs were also reality, but from an interesting new perspective. :)

vba616 5y ago

>I think the "wouldn't it be nice to die?" angle was undeserved and highly biased It is saying "wouldn't it be nice to be in a nursing home, if you had VR".