An analysis combining viewpoints of futurism, strategic foresight, computer science, learning technology, and film studies to compare and contrast themes found related to Augmented Reality in Star Trek to trends found in the development and commercialization of these technologies. The use and proliferation of immersive media such as augmented and virtual reality is increasing, with new terms like ‘metaverse’ and ‘digital twins’ being used to describe a blending of human experience into media like never before. This study looks to examine the predicting capabilities of science fiction, most specifically Star Trek and all of its iterations, and compare/contrast with current trends in immersive technology media development. There are examples that can be seen in current trends from several decades before commercial availability in Star Trek. The stories and themes discussed surrounding these technologies within the context of this fiction can inform emerging conversations of how these technologies will impact human communication, our perception of reality, and society as a whole. This study relates signals and themes from Star Trek surrounding augmented reality and matches them with current research topics. It also provides an idea of how these technologies can alter or modify our lives and mainly guides us on handling them correctly. Introducing a new technology affects society; Star Trek tries its best to make those impacts of technology a more positive one.
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