This month issue of Computer runs an article titled "Generation 3D: Living in Virtual Worlds", which ends up predicting that virtual 3D worlds could become pervasive in our lives by 2047. I must admit that, as cool as living a virtual life in an MMORPGs sounds to a geek like me, I am frightened by the implication for our societies.
If our avatars become the main mental projection of our psyches and if our disincarnate-selves become our main subject of concerns, what would happen to such fragile things like the environment, democracy or compassion ?
Will it matter to the "generation 3D" if the Earth must be over-exploited to produce enough energy for powering the zillions of servers hosting their fantasy worlds?
Will it matter to them if their countries turn into police states where their only liberties will be virtual, abandoning the ideals that founding fathers and thinkers of the past had for mankind?
And finally will it matter at all if others will be left out dying of cold or hunger at the fringe of the digital society?
Was Queen prophetic?
