Online ISSN: 2515-8260

Hyperreality in Media and Literature: An Overview of Jean Baudrillard’s Simulacra and Simulation

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1Sinoj Antony, 2 Ishfaq Ahmad Tramboo

Abstract

Hyperreality is a critical theory of postmodernism. The negative impacts of hyperreality are visible in our media and literature fields and it is a threat to contemporary society in association with reality and its copies. Illusions of reality are always formed, and they pretend as the originals. Jean Baudrillard through his book Simulacra and Simulation, originally published in French in 1981 and translated to English in 1983 traces out the fake realities that are promoted by media and literature. He is a well-known critic of postmodernism, his theory of hyperreality is better applicable in postmodern literature and media. People are living in a world where they are always confused with reality and blended reality, even the reality is suppressed under fantasies and illusions, these imaginations often control the world. Media and literature are always influenced by hyperreality, films, advertisements, news, social media, etc. represent artificial realities so that the present world cannot realize the truth and originality. People admire fictional heroes and superficial characters in both media and literature. The kids and youngsters are under the influence of modern technology and communication, IT revolution always accelerated to cope with an imaginative world. Technology created a new world order where people find simulacra are more comfortable and attractive to live with. Hyperreality would gradually lead the people to chaos and confusion, as a result, everything will lose its own identity, originality, and essence.

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