Some New York City residents are resorting to artificial light sources to simulate windows in their apartments, a practice that has drawn both support and criticism online. The trend, popularized on TikTok, involves using light boxes to create the illusion of natural sunlight in bedrooms that lack actual windows.
One Brooklyn resident, Sophia, shared her experience using a "fake window" in her bedroom, which faces a wall of an adjacent building. She described the light box as a "life saver" that helps combat the darkness. Her video, which garnered over 1.4 million views, sparked a debate, with some viewers calling the setup "dystopian" and likening the living conditions to being "prisoners."
Similar sentiments were echoed by other online critics who expressed that everyone deserves access to natural light. However, proponents of the "fake windows" view them as a necessary and innovative solution to cramped urban living, especially when it allows for more affordable rent. Reina Vargas, an artist, credited her artificial window with helping her maintain sanity during long painting sessions. Another transplant from Australia, Shreya, humorously questioned the necessity of real windows when a convincing imitation is available.
Despite the criticisms, New York City continues to be recognized for its unique appeal, recently being named the most romantic city in the country. For residents like Sophia, the use of technology to improve their living environment is a practical response to the city's housing challenges, allowing them to "survive" and even thrive in their spaces.