Throughout these discussions we have reached two major conclusions that will formulate our thinking to come. The first is the notion of fluctuating perception, or the idea that perception differs between individuals. The second builds off this idea, claiming that this perception is not only shifted, but furthermore, is predicated on an erroneous foundation of objectivity. While it is easy to discuss these ideas, conceptualizing them often feels troublesome. After all, humans originally established these constructs to best make sense of the world around them and to deconstruct them feels antithetical to a deep rooted human instinct. With that said, by acknowledging these two notions, we can interpret world issues from a new lens, with issues ranging from social conflict to tech all falling under investigation. 

  At the core of all conflict lies the idea of difference in agreement. It is these differences between individuals that leads to conflict, further feeding into a grand narrative that plays out in an ouroboric manner. However, despite what an opposing player may believe, these narratives come from a place of truth. Perhaps not an objective truth, but rather a subjective truth, built upon through years of specialized cultural upbringing. 

  The crux of this turmoil is that both players firmly hold their truths to be objective, their worldview correct. They tackle the problem with an abrasive mindset, invalidating each other's opinions through misguided logic. The rejection of an opposing narrative gives it the attention it needs to fester, inadvertently providing validity to its existence. This results in a snowball effect, as further amendments to the original grievances are attached, diverting focus from the uncredible original storyline.

  Moving from the vague idea of conflict altogether, let's focus on a more specific case study, religion. For people raised within a particular religious environment, it becomes exceedingly difficult to separate oneself from its associated dogma and beliefs taught to them during their upbringing. Because of this conflict spurs when values clash. 

  Here the stories feel less imagined, they seem substantive and rich, deeply integrated into personal identity and vastly interwoven throughout varying cultural groups. When you yourself become the subject of reflection, it becomes exceedingly difficult to try and put yourself in other shoes, to demystify what has grown hand and hand with you your entire life. Imaging your life without this influence highlights the issue of Human Subjectivity, more specifically, our struggle to create an impartial, dissociated perspective. With that said, acknowledging the power these narratives hold over our lives aids in truly understanding the root of each conflict. 

  What does it mean to say our reality is constructed? This idea is constantly being asked in the tech world, and in recent years has exploded. From new virtual technologies ranging from the Oculus, to the Apple Vision Pro, to even the Las Vegas Sphere, we have seen a rapid development in alternative existence like never before. 

  Literally in its name, virtual reality serves as an elementary example of perceptual reconstruction. This technology takes advantage of the building blocks of our own perception and seeks to recreate it virtually. It accomplishes this by dulling the user into another state, tricking their mind despite their conscious awareness of the artificiality of the experience.

  The most interesting aspect of this technology is not the state that it puts the user in, but rather, the users inability to easily dissociate from such a state, and later “return” to reality. Just as discussed earlier in the optical illusion example, we are entirely aware of the falsities of these situations yet we remain unable to escape from their effects unless we directly act on them. It seems that this new reality altering tech takes advantage of these biologically developed traits and uses them to further dull the user. This further plays into the idea that we accept the reality that is presented to us. 

  So what are the implications of the popularization of an alternative existence? By providing a new reality more pleasant than one's own, we establish a dangerous precedent that could determine the future of our species. Furthermore, this technology has become intermingled with the world of business which seeks to capitalize on profits rather than ponder potential “ifs.” 

  A good example of this potential future comes from the popular science fiction novel, “Ready Player One,” which serves as a narrative that explores the social, economic, and ethical implications of this potential world. It helps display a future where the interplay of tech and artificial reality becomes a consuming force on all aspects of life. Stories like these help to remind us of some consequences of these developments that we ought to be cautious of. 

  Throughout these articles we’ve battled with the essence of the human experience, learned about the falsities of the senses, and explored the implications of those statements on the idea of human conflict and future tech. Despite the fact that these debates are part of a longer and still ongoing discourse about the human experience, the capacity of our species to navigate these tendencies remains a testament to the human spirit.