The “post reality era,” as defined by Jing, is a time when people’s perceptions and decisions are increasingly driven by virtual interactions and online content. In this era, what individuals see, hear, and believe online holds more sway than their in-person experiences. “You trust businesses and even form entire beliefs about places based on what you see digitally,” he explains, emphasizing that our primary mode of engaging with new places and businesses has shifted to digital platforms, where photos, reviews, and content shape a place’s “reality” before we ever set foot in it.
For Bali, a destination traditionally celebrated for its tangible beauty and culture, this shift has profound implications. The tourism industry, especially, must now consider how online experiences and digital reputations affect perceptions, long before visitors arrive on the island. The post reality paradigm contributes to Bali’s overdevelopment by prioritizing digital appeal over sustainable growth. Driven by demand for “Instagrammable” spots, developers often overlook environmental and cultural sustainability in favor of high-profit, short-term projects.
This trend shifts focus from authentic, community-centered tourism to rapidly expanding luxury developments, undermining Bali’s cultural heritage and environmental balance. As properties are designed to meet online expectations, traditional landscapes and community values risk being overshadowed by the pursuit of digital popularity.