Francine Thompson saw portions of her world pixelate in the corner of her eye.

She confided online with a like-minded group: “I swear the world is like a tree falling, but it renders itself on and off for my sake.”

The online ‘simulation theorist’ group of ‘solipsists’ agreed, replying to her with their own anecdotal stories.

— — — —

Francine drove home from work but was stopped because of a train’s crossing bells. She closed her eyes and accelerated.

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— — — —

“What happened, Doctor?” asked Francine’s mother.

“Hello, Ms. Thompson. Francine experienced an unfortunate psychotic breakdown. We’ve seen many similar cases lately, almost like mass hypnosis, believing they live in a simulation, where everyone else is an NPC, and the world is artificial.”

“How can they be proven wrong before more poor souls become like my daughter?”

“I’m afraid, Ms. Thompson, it’s near impossible to convince them through rational dialogue. It’s a modern virtual cult-like mindset preying on the mentally vulnerable.”

“So, nothing can be done?”

“Well, call me a biased psychiatrist, but mental health needs immediate and massive funding for better research, treatment, and cultural destigmatization. I can only imagine what will happen when full dive VR soon becomes possible.”