By Hans Sandkuhl, eolas, and Martin Yearley – CBT therapist @nft_responsibly on X (Twitter) – 21 minutes read
Have you ever felt like your reality does not match what others perceive or experience? Maybe you have misread a social interaction or found yourself interpreting a situation in a way that feels slightly out of sync with those around you. These moments of dissonance can leave us questioning: are we experiencing a shift in how we interpret the world?
As technology grows more integrated into daily life, these altered perceptions are becoming increasingly common. With Augmented Reality (AR) now integrated into everyday activities—from gaming and education to retail and social media—it is becoming one of the most influential tools shaping how we perceive and interact with the world. This blend has the power to expand our understanding—or, in some cases, distort it. By continuously engaging with digital overlays, we might begin to experience reality in new ways that challenge our natural perceptions.
But what do we mean by ‘reality’? Is it an objective truth, or is it simply what we perceive through the filters of our senses and experiences? Our understanding of reality is shaped by fallible sensory filters and inescapable cognitive biases, which influence how we prioritize and interpret what we experience. Understanding these shifts is not just an abstract concept; it affects how we navigate relationships, make decisions, and find balance in a world increasingly dominated by technology.
This article explores the concept of Altered Perception of Reality (APR), examining how our interpretations of everyday experiences might shift due to both internal influences, like emotions or mental states, and external technological influences like AR. We walk in a world that often closely links digital and physical, and staying grounded becomes essential for mental well-being. Through this exploration, we hope to offer insights into how these shifts in perception impact our personal growth, mental health, and the way we connect with our surroundings.
What is Altered Perception of Reality?
Altered Perception of Reality (APR) is simply when our mind interprets the world around us imperfectly. In these moments, what we perceive does not quite match up with what is actually happening. We all experience this from time to time, like when stress makes a minor problem feel overwhelming or when exhaustion makes us interpret someone’s neutral comment as criticism. These moments are often temporary, but they can feel unsettling and real in the moment.
You are having a rough day at work, and by the time you get home, even small sounds—like a phone buzzing or a door creaking—feel louder and more distracting than usual. Or, after a sleepless night, you might feel as if everyone around you is in a bad mood, even though they are simply going about their day. In these cases, our perception of reality is being filtered through our own stress or tiredness, making the world around us seem more intense or even slightly distorted.
APR can be caused by many factors, including mental health challenges like anxiety or depression, past trauma, and even the stress of daily life. Our core personal values also shape how we perceive the world. These values—such as prioritizing success at work, nurturing family relationships, or upholding personal integrity—act as filters through which we interpret events. If career success is a key value, even a minor critique from a colleague could feel disproportionately impactful, as it challenges your sense of achievement.
Recognizing these influences can help us better understand and navigate moments of distorted perception. Sometimes, these influences are so strong that they can make our view of reality feel consistently out of sync, affecting our well-being and relationships.
We all have moments where reality feels a bit off—but what happens when that feeling sticks around? When we start regularly interpreting the world in a way that does not fully align with reality, it can create challenges, especially when it impacts our sense of security or connection with others.
As we move on, we will consider how external technologies like Augmented Reality interact with these internal filters, potentially amplifying or reshaping how we experience the world.
Is Augmented Reality a New Form of Altered Perception?
Augmented Reality (AR) has rapidly become a part of our daily lives. Whether through Pokémon Go, where players chase virtual creatures in physical spaces, or Instagram filters that add a layer of glamour to selfies, AR creates a fascinating blend of the digital and the real. These technologies are designed to enhance our experiences, but they also bring new challenges to how we perceive and interpret the world around us.
What happens when these digital layers become more than just enhancements? Could they start to shape how we see reality itself? Imagine walking through your neighborhood while using an AR app that overlays historical information or virtual advertisements onto buildings. Already, Google has launched an AR option for the Maps app which superimposes helpful arrows onto the world using smartphone cameras. Or consider AR-enhanced shopping, where we can get a taste of new interior design looks via virtual furniture that is placed in your home through an app.
While it helps visualize purchases, it may also lead to distorted expectations about size, color, texture or functionality, affecting how we perceive the real item when it arrives. Similarly, AR in social media, like filters that alter appearance, can change how individuals view themselves and others, reinforcing unattainable beauty standards. For instance, consider the beauty filters that refine skin, adjust facial symmetry, and enhance features. While entertaining, their widespread use has normalized digitally altered appearances, setting unrealistic expectations for beauty. A person using these filters regularly may begin to feel dissatisfied with their unedited reflection, creating a disconnect between their real self and the enhanced version seen online.
As AR becomes more immersive, the line between what is real, what is virtual and “new normal” grows increasingly blurred. This raises an important question: Does AR deepen our connection to the world, or does it widen the gap between the digital and the real? AR in education can bring abstract concepts to life, like overlaying a 3D model of the solar system during a classroom lesson, helping students visualize complex ideas.
However, this same technology could also distract from physical and social engagement or hinder critical thinking—the ability to analyze, evaluate, and synthesize information independently. For instance, when AR overlays provide ready-made answers or interpretations, like identifying a plant or explaining a historical event, they can discourage users from asking deeper questions, conducting their own research, or forming independent conclusions. Over time, this reliance on digital representations might replace the active mental processes needed for real-world understanding, such as comparing alternatives, identifying patterns, or solving problems creatively.
This blending of digital and physical worlds can create “trust gaps,” moments where we question whether what we see or experience is real or simply an AR overlay. For instance, when using an AR navigation app, a virtual arrow pointing to a street might seem real enough to follow, but its accuracy depends entirely on the app. These moments of uncertainty can make us question the reliability of both the technology and our perceptions.
Over time, this uncertainty could undermine our confidence in shared experiences. Imagine yourself trying to discuss a landmark with a friend, only to discover that what you are describing exists only in your AR feed. This erosion of a shared understanding of reality could have implications for how we connect with others and navigate the world.
Ultimately, AR offers both opportunities and challenges. It has the potential to enhance how we engage with our environment, but it also requires us to stay mindful of how much we rely on digital layers to shape our perception. As we continue to adopt AR in our daily lives, the key will be finding a balance—using AR as a tool to enrich our experiences while remaining grounded in the reality that connects us all.
How Altered Perception Affects Mental Health
Altered Perception of Reality (APR) can feel like being out of sync with the world around you. Imagine entering a room full of people and interpreting neutral looks to you as judgmental stares, or hearing a casual comment and perceiving it as harsh criticism. These moments of distortion, often shaped by stress, anxiety, or exhaustion, can make the world feel unpredictable and even threatening.
For someone dealing with anxiety, these altered perceptions may occur more frequently or they may simply preoccupy themselves with negative aspects of the altered perceptions more readily. A friend running late to meet them, instead of just being delayed could be interpreted as disinterest or avoidance. Similarly, someone feeling overwhelmed might struggle to see a situation objectively, focusing instead on imagined worst-case scenarios. These distortions, though internal, create very real emotions—fear, insecurity, or confusion—that can disconnect a person from others and even from their own sense of stability.
This disconnect can lead to feelings of isolation. When what we perceive does not align with what others experience, it becomes harder to trust relationships or navigate the world with confidence. Over time, this can impact mental well-being, creating a cycle where distorted perceptions fuel emotional distress, which in turn amplifies the distortions.
Digital overlays, such as AR apps that highlight landmarks or provide navigation help, might seem like simple enhancements. However, for someone already coping with APR, these overlays can increase feelings of disconnection by creating an additional layer of information to process, or by encouraging dependence on external validation rather than internal judgment. An AR app designed to simulate calming environments could provide temporary relief for someone experiencing anxiety. Yet, overuse of such tools might limit their ability to find comfort in their immediate surroundings, reinforcing avoidance rather than resilience.
Individual differences play a significant role in how APR and AR affect mental health. Our personality traits also play a role. Someone who values structure and predictability might find distortions destabilizing, while those who embrace change and novelty might adapt more readily. Self-concept—how we see ourselves—also shapes how we interpret reality. Someone with a strong sense of identity and confidence might be better equipped to navigate occasional distortions, whereas someone more vulnerable to self-doubt might find these experiences overwhelming.
Understanding the interplay between mental health, APR, and AR is crucial. By recognizing how altered perceptions shape emotions and behaviors, we can begin to develop strategies to stay grounded, even in a world where the lines between the physical and digital continue to blur. The key is to balance the benefits of AR with an awareness of its potential to amplify existing mental health challenges, ensuring that it remains a tool for connection rather than a source of confusion.
Can Augmented Reality Amplify These Distortions?
As Augmented Reality (AR) continues to integrate into our lives, its potential to distort our perceptions becomes more evident. While AR offers new ways to enhance experiences, it can also deepen our reliance on “realities” that are actually not entirely real. This raises a critical question: What happens when these digital distortions begin to overshadow the physical world, altering how we see ourselves and interact with our surroundings?
Consider the everyday use of social media filters. While they might start as harmless tools for fun or creativity, they can quickly redefine our standards of beauty and self-worth. A person who frequently uses filters to enhance their appearance might find it harder to see themselves as they truly are, feeling dissatisfied with their unfiltered reflection. Over time, this reliance on a digital version of reality can erode self-esteem, creating a disconnect between how someone perceives themselves and how they exist in the real world.
Gaming environments take this distortion further. Immersive AR-based games transport players into virtual worlds layered onto physical spaces, where they might embody characters with superhuman abilities or explore fantastical landscapes. While these experiences are exciting, they can also create a stark contrast to real life. Returning to the mundane after being a hero in an augmented world may leave some individuals feeling detached or even discontent with their everyday reality.
The risks of spending too much time in a world that is partly real and partly artificial are significant. Relationships, responsibilities, and even personal safety can be affected if our focus remains fixed on the augmented experience. AR apps that gamify fitness might encourage users to focus on virtual achievements, like collecting badges or competing on leaderboards, while neglecting the physical and mental benefits of exercise itself. Similarly, using AR to shop for clothes or furniture might create unrealistic expectations, leading to disappointment when the physical items do not match their digital representations.
One way to counter these risks could be by using technologies like blockchain as a grounding tool. Blockchain is a digital system that records information in a way that cannot be easily changed, providing a reliable and verifiable source of truth. In a world where AR might overlay false information—such as fabricated news or deceptive advertisements—blockchain could help us identify what is real and trustworthy. This concept of “on-chain sanity” suggests that grounding reality in transparent and trustworthy systems can counteract the disorienting effects of AR distortions.
AR offers boundless opportunities for creativity and innovation, but it is vital to remain cautious of its ability to create illusions that might undermine our connection to the real world. Striking a balance means embracing the benefits of AR while ensuring we stay rooted in the authenticity of shared, factual experiences.
To maintain this balance, we can regularly step back from digital layers, question the reliability of what we see, seek an anchor, and prioritize experiences that connect us to the real world. Simple practices like unplugging from AR during social interactions or double-checking information from trusted sources can help ground us in reality.
How to Balance AR and Reality for Mental Well-being
As Augmented Reality (AR) becomes more integrated into our daily lives, we need to maintain a sense of balance between the digital and the physical. While AR has the potential to enrich our experiences, it can also create distractions, pulling us away from genuine, real-world interactions. Striking this balance requires intentional use of AR to ensure it complements, rather than competes with, our connection to the tangible world.
Using AR Intentionally
AR is a tool, and like any tool, its value depends on how we use it. Consider AR apps that enhance our understanding of history, science, or art by overlaying additional context onto physical objects. A striking example is AR star-gazing apps that superimpose constellations and planet labels over the night sky. While these tools can transform a casual stargazing session into an educational experience, they may also discourage users from identifying constellations or learning astronomy without the app. This reliance on digital augmentation can subtly replace organic curiosity and self-guided learning.
As another example, relying on AR-generated directions in a city might save time but could prevent us from forming a personal sense of the space or noticing meaningful details. These tools can deepen our connection to the world when used intentionally. However, AR can also shift focus away from what matters. To stay grounded, we must reflect on how AR influences our focus. Are we using it to expand our understanding of the physical world, or is it pulling us into a digital overlay that detracts from reality? A practical step is to incorporate periods of AR use alongside moments of real-world observation, where we take in the environment without digital layers.
Evaluating AR’s Alignment with Personal Values
AR can amplify certain experiences, but it is worth questioning whether these align with what we value most. For instance, an AR app that allows families to explore distant landmarks together can foster connection and shared learning. In contrast, an application that isolates individuals in a solo experience might detract from valuable time spent with loved ones.
Ask yourself how AR fits into your priorities. Does it help you achieve goals like learning, connecting, or creating, or does it distract you from them? Choosing AR applications that align with your values ensures they support, rather than undermine, what you hold most important.
Focusing on Connection
When used thoughtfully, AR has the potential to enhance relationships and build shared experiences. Imagine exploring a new city with a friend and using AR to uncover hidden historical details about your surroundings. In these cases, AR becomes a bridge between the digital and the real, offering opportunities to connect meaningfully while embracing innovation.
The key to balancing AR and reality lies in intention. By using AR selectively and reflecting on how it shapes our experiences, we can ensure it enriches our lives without overshadowing the authenticity of the physical world.
Building Awareness of Distorted Perceptions
Perception shapes how we experience the world, but it is not always accurate. Stress, emotions, and external influences—such as technology—can subtly distort how we interpret reality. Building awareness of these distortions is a powerful step toward personal growth. It allows us to navigate challenges with clarity and confidence, fostering a stronger sense of self.
Recognizing Distortions in Perception
We all have moments when reality feels off. Perhaps a passing comment from a colleague feels like criticism after a stressful morning, or curated social media images lead us to question our own achievements. These moments of distortion can create an emotional response that feels real but may not align with the facts.
By reflecting on these experiences, we can begin to recognize when our perception is being influenced by emotions or external triggers. For example, ask yourself: “What shaped my reaction in this situation? Was it rooted in reality, or influenced by my own stress or assumptions?”
The Role of Assumptions
Assumptions often shape how we perceive the world. If someone does not respond to a message promptly, do you assume they are avoiding you? Or do you consider alternative explanations, like them being busy? Questioning these automatic thoughts can help separate reality from assumption, reducing unnecessary stress and fostering better understanding.
External Influences on Perception
External tools, such as AR and social media, can further filter how we see the world. AR might present a curated view of an environment, while social media amplifies polished and often unrealistic portrayals of life. These tools can add value when used thoughtfully but may distort our perception if relied on without reflection.
An AR app might provide insights into the natural world, helping us notice details we might otherwise miss. However, when overused, it can narrow our focus to what is presented digitally, leaving us disconnected from unfiltered experiences. Reflect on how these tools shape your perspective. Are they adding value, or creating unnecessary distractions?
Empowering Growth Through Awareness
Building awareness involves recognizing when distortions arise and taking steps to ground ourselves in reality. While perception will always be influenced by emotions and context, developing a habit of questioning and reflecting on these influences helps us approach challenges with clarity.
Ask: “What is influencing how I see this situation? How would I interpret it differently if I removed stress, assumptions, or external filters?” These small reflections build resilience, allowing us to respond with intention rather than being carried by distorted perceptions.
In a world where technology shapes much of how we engage with reality, maintaining self-awareness becomes an invaluable tool. By staying mindful of both internal and external influences, we empower ourselves to navigate life’s complexities with confidence and authenticity.
Where Do We Go from Here?
Are we in control of how evolving technology shapes our reality, or is reality slipping through our fingers? This question defies a simple answer, challenging us to pause and reflect. As Augmented Reality (AR) and digital layers integrate more deeply into our lives, how we engage with these influences will shape not only our individual perceptions but also the collective reality we create as a society.
Each of us plays a role in shaping our relationship with reality. This involves acknowledging the internal and external factors that shape our perceptions, from emotions and values to the growing presence of AR and other technologies. By staying aware of these influences, we can better discern when our view of reality is being altered and take intentional steps to stay connected to what is real.
However, this is not merely an individual endeavor. The collective reality we share depends on our ability to build and maintain meaningful connections with one another and the world around us. AR holds immense potential for enhancing our understanding of reality, but it also demands careful use to prevent it from distorting or obscuring the truth. Similarly, technologies like blockchain offer intriguing possibilities for anchoring shared truths, fostering trust in a digital landscape often prone to uncertainty.
Grounding ourselves in reality extends beyond personal insight; it forms the basis of a balanced and resilient society. A society that thrives on shared understanding and mutual connection. By approaching technology with intention and awareness, we can embrace innovation without losing sight of the foundational human elements that give meaning to our experiences. Reality is not a passive construct—it is something we actively shape, both individually and collectively.
As the boundaries between the digital and physical continue to blur, the questions we ask become more critical: How can we adopt new innovations while staying anchored to what is real? How can we explore the possibilities of the digital world without losing the depth of human connection? These questions are not meant to provide definitive answers but to serve as a compass for navigating an ever-evolving world.
By cultivating a thoughtful relationship with technology and choosing an intentional approach to how we engage with it, we create space for balance and connection. Through this harmony, we can embrace digital progress while preserving the authenticity that enriches the human experience.
