Real life

Real life, often contrasted with fictional or virtual environments, refers to the totality of experiences, activities, and conditions that constitute human existence and occur in the physical world. It encompasses the tangible and observable aspects of living, including interactions with other people, engagement with the natural environment, and participation in social, economic, and political systems.

In contemporary usage, "real life" is frequently used to differentiate between experiences in the physical world and those that are mediated by technology, such as video games, social media, or virtual reality. It can also be used to distinguish between factual events and fictional narratives or imagined scenarios.

The term carries a subjective element, as what constitutes "real life" can vary depending on individual perspectives and cultural contexts. It is generally understood to encompass both positive and negative experiences, including joy, sorrow, success, failure, and the mundane aspects of everyday living.

The concept of real life is a recurring theme in philosophy, literature, and art, often explored in relation to questions of authenticity, meaning, and the nature of reality. The interplay between real life and its representations in various forms of media continues to be a topic of ongoing discussion and debate.