By Tesni Adams
Set a few years into the future, K. Varia’s Fusion of Reality is infused with technology, presenting a modern world not wholly different to the one we live in today. With what seems like the overnight rise of AI and the constant march of technological progress, I’m sure we’ve all wondered how much further technology will continue to creep into our everyday lives.
In Fusion of Reality, Aman’s use of the latest cars, devices and technology reflects, not only his materialistic nature, but the distracted and consumerist reality that many people live in today. For Aman, smartphones and instant messaging become constant reminders of the stresses within his life, whether they be work, planning his niece’s wedding or his feelings of inadequacy. The frequent “pinging” on Aman’s phone disrupts his sense of a work-life balance – one of the most poignant moments being when messages from his boss interrupt the delicate, personal period when Aman grieves his best friend. These scenes beg the question: is technology limiting our potential to deeply reflect and ultimately ‘switch off’? My answer would be a resounding yes and I think Aman’s transition into his depressive slump could be rooted in feeling overwhelmed by this fusion of different aspects of his life.
Whilst technology blurs the distinction between home and work life, it simultaneously separates Aman from connecting with his family and confuses his footing within the present moment. When Aman is in his most distressed state, his free time is often spent scrolling on social media or watching TV to find an escape, rather than spending valuable time with his family or confronting his problems. Aman, during the novel’s early stages, places considerable value into the appearance of having money, evident through his fixations on Rolex watches, the shirts people wear and the cars they drive: “[h]is Rolex watch is the starring role on his body, a Submariner with the royal blue facia.” Aman’s materialism possibly stems from his father’s ambition and the pressures he placed upon Aman and his sister as children. High expectations for migrant families are common and the dream of success is of course not inherently negative, but Aman’s unhealthy competition with himself and others is possibly further fuelled by social media.
Social media influences (or manipulates) its audiences to consume, alluded to in Fusion of Reality by Aman’s family holiday to Palm Jumeirah in the affluent city of Dubai. After seeing pictures of the notably artificial island online, Aman spends an enormous sum of money on the holiday but rarely seems to interact with his family and is dismissive when conversing with hotel staff. Aman admits that “Instagram is my partner” and “[p]unching the keyboard and answering emails is my comfort zone” whilst his “window has a view onto a palm tree and part of the beach.” It is hinted here that Aman only went to Palm Jumeirah to show that he had been, illustrating the artificial nature of social media and its potentially harmful influence on audiences.
As the novel progresses and Aman transforms into a more mindful character who restores balance within his life, his relationship with technology also improves. Aman learns that technology can be used to enhance relationships rather than hinder them: the use of video calls at Kaya’s wedding allows family members from across the globe to witness and participate in the special day. Aman’s presentation on digital Renaissance paintings allows him to embrace his hobby and make new friends and, instead of another overpriced holiday, Aman takes a friend’s suggestion to visit the Peak District, resulting in an enjoyable family holiday. Through Aman’s journey, Varia touches upon the importance of appreciating what you have, to use technology as a tool to connect rather than separate and that the never-ending pursuit of the new device, commodity or unattainable lifestyle social media promotes will not bring contentment. Above all, I believe we must remain sceptical and question the motives behind the tech-giants of today’s society. At the end of the novel, Aman knows he doesn’t need nor want the new, self-driving car and realises “I don’t trust technology fully, not yet.”
Aman scrolling through social media instead of spending time with family shows how easily tech can become an escape, but later his use of video calls highlights how it can also bring people closer together, showing us both sides of the coin.