The Real and the Hyperreal

The "real" refers to things as they exist in the world, grounded in tangible experience and objective facts. In contrast, the "hyperreal" describes a state where the representation of reality is enhanced or distorted, often blurring the lines between reality and simulation. This concept, popularized by philosopher Jean Baudrillard, suggests that in modern culture—through media, advertising, and virtual experiences—our perception of reality can be shaped more by images and ideas than by actual experiences, leading us to value these simulations as if they were real.