‘Tamagotchi Kids’ Could Be Future Of Parenting For Those Averse To Childbirth

Illustration 15434969 © Sebastian Kaulitzki | Dreamstime.com

What makes one a parent? With the advent of the metaverse, one artificial intelligence expert foresees that there will come a time when you won’t have to bear the physical toll of childrearing—or a physical child, for the matter.

In her new book AI by Design: A Plan For Living With Artificial Intelligence, Catriona Campbell—a behavioral psychologist specializing in human-computer interaction—delves into the concept of a “Tamagotchi generation,” in which raising digital kids in the metaverse will become commonplace. The “Tamagotchi” moniker takes inspiration from the famous egg-shaped pet toys from the 1990s and 2000s.

Campbell estimates that in 50 years, technology will have come so far that virtual babies will feel real to parents and be “indistinct” from kids in the real world.

The modern-age children could have simulated emotional responses and interact with their human parents through machine-learning abilities.

The AI expert also believes that demand for metaverse children will be apparent and thus be widely available for “a relatively small monthly fee.”

The virtual option would not only lessen the blow of overpopulation but also enable people to so-called have kids without the overbearing financial burden.

Campbell reiterates that she foresees virtual children being “accepted and fully embraced” in society as the world progresses.

[via The Guardian and TNW, cover illustration 15434969 © Sebastian Kaulitzki | Dreamstime.com]