The Future of Forever
Virtual Immortality in the Posthuman Era
YUSHIEN, 2025
Abstract
Virtual Immortality in the Posthuman Era
YUSHIEN, 2025
Abstract
In 2015, two Google researchers conducted an experiment. After inputting 26 million movie lines into a neural network, they created a chatbot that could extract words from a human speech library. The researchers then asked the chatbot a philosophical question: "What is the purpose of living? “The chatbot responded, "To live forever1’’
Technology is a basis for human memories. From portraits to photography to video to today's augmented eternity, humans seek immortality by documenting their lives. In today's world, where technology extends our presence into the digital realm, how do we define the time concept of “forever"? This article investigates how our identity is increasingly shaped by digital interactions and data, extending our consciousness beyond our biological form. The evolution of technology is not just about preserving memories but also about creating new forms of symbolic language and meaning. The article discusses the impact of virtual immortality on collective human memory, cultural heritage, and various legal aspects. The article cites examples of digital legacies, such as AI versions of historical figures and celebrities, and explores the potential consequences of virtual immortality in various scenarios. Finally, the article challenges the notion that digital immortality is merely an extension of life, arguing that it represents a more profound shift in how we understand human existence.
Technology is a basis for human memories. From portraits to photography to video to today's augmented eternity, humans seek immortality by documenting their lives. In today's world, where technology extends our presence into the digital realm, how do we define the time concept of “forever"? This article investigates how our identity is increasingly shaped by digital interactions and data, extending our consciousness beyond our biological form. The evolution of technology is not just about preserving memories but also about creating new forms of symbolic language and meaning. The article discusses the impact of virtual immortality on collective human memory, cultural heritage, and various legal aspects. The article cites examples of digital legacies, such as AI versions of historical figures and celebrities, and explores the potential consequences of virtual immortality in various scenarios. Finally, the article challenges the notion that digital immortality is merely an extension of life, arguing that it represents a more profound shift in how we understand human existence.
Keywords: virtual immortality, augmented immortality, virtual human, digital legacy, data security and privacy.
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