Hyperréalité

Hyperréalité is a concept coined by French sociologist Jean Baudrillard. It describes a state where the distinction between reality and simulation becomes blurred. In hyperréalité, signs and symbols of the real are substituted for the real itself, creating a world that is more real than real. This can manifest in various forms, from media representations to consumer culture.

Baudrillard argued that in contemporary society, we are increasingly surrounded by simulacra, which are copies without an original. These simulacra, often generated through media and technology, can become more influential and impactful than actual reality. For example, a highly stylized and idealized depiction of a place in a movie might become more familiar and desirable to a person than the actual place itself.

The consequence of hyperréalité is that individuals may struggle to discern authentic experiences from simulated ones. This can lead to a detachment from genuine reality and an immersion in a world of signs and images that no longer refer to anything concrete. Baudrillard suggested that this phenomenon is a hallmark of postmodernity, where the lines between the authentic and the artificial have been irrevocably crossed. The perpetual reproduction of images and experiences can lead to a sense of fatigue and a loss of meaning.