Chatbots are now being used to simulate interactions with a person’s future self, allowing individuals to have conversations with AI simulations of themselves at an older age. MIT Media Lab’s Future You project utilized AI chatbots and AI-generated images to answer questions about the future and offer advice. The participants found this experience emotionally rewarding and felt more connected to their future selves, leading to increased motivation and positive thinking about the future. The goal is to promote long-term thinking and behavior change, optimizing for long-term wellbeing and life outcomes. The study also highlights the potential of positive emotional interactions between humans and AI-generated virtual characters, but ethical considerations need to be taken into account to avoid harmful behavior or unhealthy attachments.
| Signal | Change | 10y horizon | Driving force |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chatbots simulate future selves for emotional connection | From rule-based therapy chatbots to personalized future self simulations | More people will use chatbots to connect with their future selves for emotional support and motivation | Promoting long-term thinking and behavior change |
| AI-powered chatbots help individuals connect with their future selves | From limited exercises to strengthen connection with future selves | Increased accessibility to personalized experiences with future selves through AI-powered chatbots | Encouraging positive behaviors and reducing anxiety |
| MIT Media Lab’s Future You project uses AI simulations to connect individuals with their future selves | From VR-based exercises and letter exchanges | More individuals will have conversations with AI simulations of their future selves for emotional connection and guidance | Strengthening the connection with one’s future self and promoting better decision-making |
| Synthetic AI-generated avatars used to simulate future selves | From basic AI-generated images to more realistic avatars incorporating chatbot conversations | More realistic and personalized simulations of future selves using AI-generated avatars | Enhancing the emotional connection and engagement with the simulation |
| Ethical concerns arise regarding potential negative impacts of future self simulations | From limited consideration of ethics in AI character interactions | Adoption of ethical guidelines to prevent negative behaviors and harmful impacts of future self simulations | Ensuring responsible use and positive emotional interactions with AI-generated virtual characters. |