If people want to escape, then let them. So what if they plug into VR instead of getting stoned on their sofas? Why not both?
Really it comes down to the desires of each individual and I know many are ready to flock to the greener pastures of VR. Others will enjoy a physical world with people who are more engaged. Ultimately, if this brings down our carbon footprint and takes less of a toll on our planet, then it is likely a benefit for society as a whole, even if it means some people are leading completely fake lives they've constructed in a virtual setting.
At some point, it isn't their choice though, right? It is conditioned into them at birth, like a child fed junk food by parents growing up to be obese and having impulse control issues - is it their choice?
I get where you are coming from though and people have to take responsibility for their experience, but I also think that a lot of people won't actually have a choice in it. Cultural brainwashing.
Maybe it is just our perspective of growing up from the 80s and seeing humanity before and after social media and the world wide web. But I understand that younger generations are inherently drawn to the technology more often than not. I certainly struggled to keep their attention in Algebra class when they could sneak on their phones and talk thru snapchat on wifi.