In this blog post, we’ll explore the dilemma of choosing between virtual reality and the real world through the movie ‘The Matrix’.

‘The Matrix’ and Two Realities

The movie “The Matrix” imagines a scenario that could unfold in the near future. Within the film, two types of reality coexist. One is “real reality,” which is inherently imperfect and painful, and the other is “virtual reality,” which is perfectly controlled by a program called the Matrix. With the help of his companions, the protagonist Neo escapes the Matrix and faces real reality, discovering that his original life was a virtual world created by artificial intelligence.
In a pivotal scene, Neo is faced with two choices: the blue pill, which returns him to his fake life, or the red pill, which leads him to the real world—even if it means enduring pain. Neo chose the red pill and accepted reality, but if I were asked what choice I would make in the same situation, I would say I would choose the blue pill—that is, returning to virtual reality.

Reasons for Choosing Virtual Reality

My criterion ultimately comes down to happiness. For humans, the ultimate goal of life can be seen as happiness, and the question of whether reality is “real” or “fake” may not hold ultimate significance in and of itself. People in virtual reality believe it to be real; they find meaning in life within it and pursue happiness. Since that world is reality to them, no one has the right to dismiss their lives as meaningless.
Conversely, in the real world, unstable factors such as natural disasters and accidents exist that can hinder happiness. In contrast, an artificially designed virtual world may have relatively fewer such unstable elements. Therefore, if happiness is the top priority, a life in virtual reality—which offers greater stability and predictability—may be more advantageous.
Furthermore, considering the psychological trauma one experiences upon discovering the truth about reality, the process of choosing the real world and striving to overcome that trauma is by no means easy. Support from others has its limits, and the scars in one’s memory do not completely fade away. On the other hand, if choosing virtual reality offers the possibility of forgetting past memories and starting anew, prioritizing immediate mental stability and happiness is a rational choice.

Counterarguments and Responses Regarding Virtual Reality

Arguments against virtual reality include mental confusion, system instability, and a lack of potential for development. First, regarding mental confusion, it is not difficult to refute the point that realizing reality was virtual can cause severe shock. However, the claim that one can return to the real world and overcome that shock with the help of peers is overly optimistic. The comfort of others and the passage of time do not solve every problem, and old memories can remain obstacles in life. In that sense, enduring a brief period of confusion to erase the past and start a new life may be more conducive to long-term happiness.
The issue of system instability is also frequently raised. The concern is that, since virtual reality is an artificially created world, it could become dangerous due to errors or defects. An important perspective here is that the very fact that it is an artificial system implies the possibility of correcting and supplementing its flaws. Unlike natural disasters, which are beyond human control, unstable elements in the virtual world can be controlled or eliminated, whereas in the real world, they are difficult to control. Therefore, while it cannot be said that there are no systemic risks at all, there is also hope that virtual reality can be improved in ways that reduce those risks.
Finally, there are alternative perspectives on the argument that a lack of developmental potential will strip humans of their reason for existence. While development and progress are generally viewed positively, a constantly changing environment can in itself generate anxiety and stress. For those who are satisfied with their current state and feel happy, infinite development may not be strictly necessary. Rather, pursuing a life in a stable reality may hold greater value for them.

Conclusion: What is the standard for reality?

The boundaries between virtual and real, and between genuine and fake, are not clear-cut. Since what I feel and experience constitutes reality, the standard for “reality” depends on individual perception and choice. Even if the environment we currently inhabit is a virtual world, if we find meaning within it and pursue happiness, that life holds value as a genuine reality. Conversely, even if it is the actual reality, if the mind cannot accept it, it can become a world of emptiness.
Therefore, when judging based on one’s own will and happiness, choosing virtual reality—which has relatively fewer sources of anxiety and is conducive to the pursuit of happiness—can be an excellent choice. Ultimately, what matters is not “which world you live in,” but “how you live in that world.”