An old friend writes:

"I remember a short story (but not the title or the author) I read many years ago, in which a man travelled into the future; was surprised, when he arrived, to see the streets mostly deserted and the roads and buildings uncared-for; is picked up by men in white coats who think there's something wrong with him for just wandering around; and learns that in this future world the only goal of humanity is to get themselves permanently wired up to a virtual reality device in which they can live out their favourite fantasies."

Does that ring any bells for anyone?

<b>Edited to add:</b> The story has now been identified as <a href="http://thetrapofsolidgold.blogspot.be/2011/09/spectator-sport.html">"Spectator Sport</a>, by John A. MacDonald</a>.