WTF!!! “...there’s a 20 percent chance we’re living in a computer simulation.”

August 15, 2007 10:37 AM | Written by Marcy Jarreau

I was reading this article, Our Lives, Controlled From Some Guy's Couch, in the New York Times and I got seriously freaked out.

Basically the article is about these "posthumans" who, through advances in technology, could build computers with the processing technology that would be stronger than all the brains in the world and they would create virtual worlds with virtual people who have virtual nervous systems. They explain that it's like The Matrix except no Keanu, so it might be better or worse depending on which pill you would choose. 

So like I said, reading it and thinking about is a little unsettling, but then that turned to annoyance. If they are projecting that we'll have this "computing power" by the middle of the century then why the hell aren't things cooler right now? I mean if we are on the verge of virtual life why does my computer always forget the printer settings? Or why is my mailbox always over the size limit no matter what I delete?

So I have a message for all you smart people out there thinking of this stuff. Forget about making a cool virtual world, make this one better! I want vending machines that take debit cards, because I don't think that is too much to ask. Let's figure out a way to get rid of batteries and send energy through the air to my Blackberry and iPod. Oh I know, let's make moving sidewalks for everywhere, not just theme parks and airports.

I am throwing out gold here people. Hop to it! No more coins! No more batteries! No more walking! And then we can work on no more breathing.

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