Great Escape
Virtual Reality Is Not the Escape You Think It Is
We flee reality by documenting our lives on social media. VR is one of the few new technologies that forbid it.
“Take everything out of your pocket,” the attendant says. “Wallet, keys, phones — all of it.” I look at him quizzically. “Yes,” he reiterates. “Your phone. Put it in the locker.”
I had just made my way through three floors of wax figures and tourists at Madame Tussauds in Times Square to get here. Crowds of people stood posing beside lifeless celebrities, throwing up peace signs and pretending to kiss them on the cheek. Madame Tussauds is a place tailor-made for pulling out your phone and taking a picture. But I’m not here for the soulless wax-embalmed statues. I’m here for the virtual reality.
“Welcome to Ghostbusters: Dimension,” the attendant continues before unclipping the rope to let my partner and me through to a small waiting room. “It’ll just be another minute while we get you suited up.” As we round a corner, we see a set of black vests and VR helmets hanging on the wall. Staffers suit us up: Clasps are buckled and pulled tight, goggles are checked for light holes — the whole megillah. Then, with the VR screen still black, the attendant shoves what feels like a plastic…
