fictionalreal

Fictionalreal is a neologism used in media theory to describe a mode in which elements presented as fiction are experienced, interpreted, or treated as real by participants, creating a blurred boundary between fictional and real worlds.

The term fuses "fictional" and "real" and has circulated in online discussions and scholarly writing since the early 21st century, without a single canonical definition. It is used to analyze how audiences, creators, and platforms co-create perceived realities through narrative cues, identity performances, and interactive media.

Key features include ontological blurring—fictional entities and events are treated as real within a community's shared frame of reference—and pragmatic blurring—real-world actions are motivated by fictional prompts, expectations, or rules. Fictionalreal often manifests in transmedia storytelling, augmented or mixed reality experiences, and participatory fandom where the line between author, character, and fan becomes porous.

Examples cited in discussions include alternate reality games that require players to visit real locations and use real-world artifacts, social media ecosystems that imitate fictional organizations, and narratives that invite audience members to contribute to worldbuilding in ways that affect subsequent events.

Scholarly reception is mixed; supporters argue that fictionalreal enhances engagement and cultural literacy, while critics warn of epistemic confusion, ethical concerns, and the potential manipulation of participants. The term remains debated and is not universally adopted. See also: metafiction, hyperreality, transmedia storytelling, alternate reality game, fan studies.