There is a tendency to think we have full control over our thoughts and actions, although, a large part of our daily actions happen automatically; songs get stuck in your head, after-images appear after seeing a bright light, segments of thoughts pop-up in your head and slips of the tongue intrude on conversations. (Angelica, 2016)

Involuntary phenomena are part of our everyday lives, even when we don’t notice them; however, when these phenomena manifest recurrently, and with particular contents, they can become intrusive and distressful, and in extreme cases lead to serious mental illness (Angelica, 2016).

We play a lot… We of the silicon generation live in a pseudo, near constant hypnagogic state. A lucid threshold consciousness in which the vibrancies of the gamerverse shift into reality, pulling us in and out of the slipstream. When I put my controller down, and step outside into the bright cloudless sky, I can see screen-tearing, pixelation.

Are these augmented realities not my realities? Am I still playing a game?

Psychology refers to it as the Game Transfer Phenomena. Visual and auditory conditioned responses. Echoes of extended gameplay…” -Hoopleton, 2012

“We cannot, and should not, avoid embracing the potential of our new digital era. Rather, we must diligently work to optimize the psychological and social benefits of emerging interactive virtual technologies while finding effective ways to reduce the risks or dangers it can present in some cases.” – Angelica Ortiz, 2010