When the internet community heard that Facebook
had bought the Oculus Rift gaming system for
$2 billion dollars, there was an audible outcry.
Despite reassuring messages that the gaming
system would continue to be developed independently of Facebook, I think we all
had an idea of where this was going.
The Oculus Rift system is an immersive gaming
project that has users put on goggles and headphones to enhance the full-body
effects of video games. Users are free to explore their environments and
actively look around just by turning their heads.
So basically, it's pretty badass, especially for
gamers… Then Mark Zuckerberg had to get involved and it's pretty clear that our
fears of tweens Facebooking their entire mundane day with interactive gaming technology
may be more realistic than we think.
In Zuckerberg's announcement, he had this to say,
"This is really a new communication platform. By feeling truly present,
you can share unbounded spaces and experiences with the people in your
life. Imagine sharing not just moments with your friends online, but
entire experiences and adventures."
Can you say terrible idea anyone?
The older generations understand the dangers of social media as is, but
adding an eye-view of our lives is not only creepy, but incredibly invasive.
Zuckerberg again — "One day, we believe this
kind of immersive, augmented reality will become a part of daily life for
billions of people."
No Mark, no. I can understand the benefit
when we can relive amazing vacations, visit hard-to-reach places of the world,
and watch our children be born while serving in the military, but also remember
that someone has to wear that weird little headset to film these events.
By immersing the rest of the world in whatever we are doing, we are
also isolating ourselves inside those goggles. Maybe we should just
experience the world in-person instead?
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