The starting point
A simulated life path can generate questions, but it cannot predict what a real career, relationship, or community will feel like over time. Use imagined possibilities to plan modest real-world experiments and conversations with people who know the experience.
What is hypothetical
This discussion of accessibility and inequality includes a design scenario from the manuscript. Read proposed capabilities conditionally. A real product would need evidence for its exact use, a clear account of errors and limitations, and meaningful control for the person using it. An engaging demonstration alone would not establish a health or learning benefit.
Accessibility and Inequality
Not everyone could have access to VR technology, particularly in the beginning. There’s a real risk that these tools could be available only to those with the financial resources to afford emerging technology, creating a gap between those who have the privilege of virtually exploring their purpose and those who do not.
Question: How do we ensure that everyone has access to tools that could help them lead more fulfilling lives, regardless of socioeconomic status?
To bridge this gap, partnerships between governments, tech companies, and educational institutions could be formed to make these tools available in public spaces like libraries or community centers.
Put the idea in context
While the potential benefits of VR simulations for exploring life purpose are immense, we must also be mindful of the risks and societal implications that come with this technology.
When creating these simulations, developers must be careful not to create unrealistic or overly idealized versions of certain paths. There is a risk that VR scenarios could gloss over important details, potentially misleading users. For example, living as an environmental activist in VR might focus on the emotional highs of protecting nature while neglecting to convey the burnout that often accompanies such work.
Stay Open: Enter each scenario with an open mind. Let go of preconceived notions and be present for the experience.