ABSTRACT
This chapter overviews the complicated and malleable nature of reality. Through such things as social media, or simply through storytelling, versions of events can be augmented, alternatives can be proposed and new ones made up. Illustrating, backpackers may selectively present themselves on social media. Certain aspects of their travel consumption are played up, whilst other bits are played down. Doing so mythologises the reality of backpacking consumption. Similarly selective are the online presentations of dropshippers relating to their purportedly glamorous lifestyles. The self-proclaimed entrepreneurs who operate within this niche sector carefully present themselves for online consumption. The reasons for doing this and what lies beneath the shiny surface are explored. Such refractions of reality may be largely harmless. Refraction can be used to enhance such things as consumer experiences or identities. Discussed however are potential consequences of lost sense of reality. Conspiracy theories are considered as an extreme form of refraction.
