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FORTY-THREE

THE DOPPELGANGER EFFECT

A doppelgänger refers to a double or identical counterpart of a person. It is an uncanny or eerie replica that closely resembles an individual in appearance but may also carry a sense of unease or foreboding. 

The doppelgänger effect, stemming from the concept of doppelgängers, alludes to the psychological impact when a character encounters or interacts with their own double. It refers to the exploration of themes such as identity, self-discovery, and the blurring of reality and illusion. The doppelgänger effect often serves as a device in literature, film, and other forms of storytelling to symbolize inner conflicts, suppressed desires, or psychological disintegration.

The term doppelgänger was first coined by German author Jean Paul in the early nineteenth century. The word drew inspiration from the German folklore tradition, where the doppelgänger was believed to be an apparition or supernatural entity resembling a living person. It was often considered an omen of misfortune or an ill omen.

The concept of encountering one's double having roots in various cultures and mythologies, reflecting humanity's fascination with the idea of a mysterious, identical other. Over time, the term doppelgänger has become embedded in popular culture, representing the intriguing and unsettling notion of encountering one's own replica.

Sigmund Freud, the renowned psychoanalyst, explored the intriguing concept of doubles, which he believed to be indicative of psychic disintegration. Freud's fascination with doubles stemmed from his overstanding of the unconscious mind and the complexities of human identity. He believed that encountering one's doppelgänger represented a psychological fragmentation, a disruption in the cohesive sense of self.  It was as if a shadow self-emerged, blurring the boundaries between reality and illusion, otherwise known in psychology as the split between sanity and madness.

In movies you often see the doppelgänger archetype skillfully utilized to depict psychological turmoil and existential crises. Directors have been known to capture the essence of Freud's theory, immersing viewers in narratives where characters grapple with their own doubles, mirroring their inner struggles and anxieties.

Sounds much like the stress and anxiety that much of society has begun to report coming from Social Media, doesn't it?

Do You Have A Doppelganger Already?

What is your digital version of you? Is it authentic? Is it a doppelganger? Or is it a deep fake? This is an important question, for the lines are about to blur deeper in the years to come. It is wise to know who is who and who is true.

Creating Human Deep Fakes 

A deep fake, traditionally associated with the manipulation of digital media, can now extend to the manipulation of our very identity. Our online personas, with their exaggerated qualities and carefully crafted narratives, can overshadow our true essence, blurring the boundaries between who we are and who we present ourselves to be. Our online reflections serve as objects of our own creation, shaping our perceived identities and influencing how others perceive us. We meticulously curate and present our lives in a way that aligns with our desired image, carefully selecting moments and experiences that project an idealized version of ourselves.

However, this phenomenon is not without its consequences. The allure of creating a flawless digital persona can lead to a detachment (exactly what Freud outlines when he put forth his argument that breaking the line between reality and illusion would come from fragmentation of oneself into more than one version) from our authentic selves. We become enamored with the characters we've constructed, gradually losing touch with the complexities and imperfections that make us human.

As technology advances and our digital personas become increasingly prominent, questions arise regarding the true nature of our character and the impact of merging our digital and physical selves.

Deep fakes originally referred to the use of artificial intelligence and machine-learning algorithms to manipulate or fabricate realistic-looking videos or images, often substituting the face of one person onto another's body. These digital creations could convincingly mimic the appearance and actions of real individuals, leading to ethical concerns and potential misuse. As mixed reality enters the public sphere, the lines between the digital and physical worlds become increasingly blurred. We find ourselves confronted with a new reality where our digital avatars and personas can seamlessly interact with our physical surroundings. Soon there really will be two versions of you.

For anyone who purchased Apple Vision, there already is. Did you purchase the Apple Vision Pro? If you did, you know the first thing the device does is scan you to create your digital avatar. We are in an era where there won't be only the concept of you having a Digital Soul and a real soul, you LITERALLY will have a Digital Soul represented in an image and seen BY YOU every time you enter the new mixed realities, such as inside Apple Vision Pro or any “metaverse” realm. 

Now, think back to what you just learned about what Freud said. What will happen if there is an actual second version of you and you are looking it right in the face? This moment will split the psyche; for some it won't have any effect and for others it will be the splitting of sanity and madness.

The worst part? This is only the beginning. Right now, Apple scans you, the human you. It replicates you based on how you actually look. BUT what happens when suddenly your augmented reality goggles start allowing you to choose an avatar that looks nothing like you? You then will be standing and staring at a split version of you that truly looks like someone else. Have blonde hair but you give your avatar black? 5’2 in person but 6’4 inside the metaverse? Maybe you change your skin color... Heck, maybe you make yourself an animal or a creature…yet that creature will be walking about in the digital realm, speaking with your voice and mimicking your mannerisms as you move around your room wearing your augmented reality goggles. Can you see how we are on the brink of a massive existential crisis of identity and a whole new meaning to WHO ARE YOU?

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