The Center for Engaged Foresight conducts the "Dreams and Disruptions" Global Foresight Game Series monthly across various global regions. These workshops aim to provide foresight practitioners and enthusiasts with a chance to explore the game, discuss foresight's essence, nature, and potential futures, engage in significant questions and dialogues, and contemplate the role of gamification in the practice of foresight.
Moreover, the series is designed to encourage participants worldwide to reflect on the significance, role, and worth of imagination and emergence within the field of anticipatory studies and practices. It also aims to promote dialogue, cooperation, and networking among attendees.
Last month, our Dreams and Disruptions Scenario Global Workshop Series was conducted for Europe, Africa, and the MENA region. I am excited to share two intriguing scenarios that were developed by the participant breakout groups during this workshop.
The Center for Engaged Foresight has refined these scenarios, improving their narrative flow and clarity. I have crafted a storyline to explore a day in the life of Maya in this envisioned future, adding depth and coherence to the scenarios.
Furthermore, we utilized the Dreams and Disruptions ChatGPT version to enhance and fine-tune the narrative. We are in the process of testing this and plan to distribute it as an additional tool for those participating in the game, aiding them in developing and refining their scenarios.
The scenario crafted by our group led me to ponder several questions. These questions, which were touched upon during our session, seem particularly relevant to discussions on public policy, strategy, or innovation:
How do deepfakes enhance personal and professional interactions in 2034?
What ethical considerations arise from the widespread use of deepfake technology for therapeutic purposes?
How has the integration of sentient AI into everyday objects, such as smart beds and coffee makers, improved the quality of life?
What role do the "Re-Analogization of Nature Camps" play in balancing digital life and mental well-being?
How do AI-generated videos of deceased loved ones help individuals cope with grief and mental health challenges?
In what ways have smartwatches and other wearable devices evolved to track and enhance mental well-being?
How has the inclusion of media training in school curricula prepared students to navigate and critically analyze digital content?
What are the potential future applications of AI mental care in extreme and isolated environments, can it be simulated beyond space exploration?
What are the broader societal implications of integrating deepfake technology, sentient AI, and advanced mental health tools into daily life?
What measures are in place to ensure the ethical use of sentient AI and deepfake technologies?
How are privacy concerns addressed with the extensive monitoring and data collection by smart devices and AI systems?
Let's explore the potential preferred futures that emerge when the randomly drawn prompt cards are:
Phase 1
AI at Dawn: A Day in 2034
Set in 2034, a preferred future scenario unfolds, featuring driving forces of change such as deepfakes, sentient AI, and advanced mental health technologies. By this time, society has seamlessly integrated these advanced technologies into everyday life, fostering a supportive and nurturing environment that prioritizes well-being and connectivity. This future embraces the potential of technology to enhance human interactions and health, offering a balanced approach between digital innovation and analog reconnection.
Drivers of Change:
Deepfakes: Deepfake technology has advanced, enabling the creation of lifelike, interactive scenarios and avatars that enhance both personal and professional interactions.
Sentient AI: AI systems have reached a level of sentience, enabling them to effectively comprehend and respond to human emotions and needs.
Mental Health: Progress in mental health technology and increased awareness have resulted in the creation of tools and practices that bolster mental well-being in daily life.
Key Elements of the Preferred Future:
AI Personal Coaches:
AI personal coaches utilize deepfake technology to create simulated interaction scenarios, offering personalized guidance and support. These coaches can replicate the appearance and behaviors of family members or mentors, establishing a familiar and reassuring presence.
They assist individuals in managing personal and professional hurdles by providing customized advice and emotional support, drawing from real-time data and past interactions.
Smartwatches and Health Monitoring:
Smartwatches and other wearable technologies have become indispensable in monitoring both mental and physical health. They integrate smoothly with smartphones and the human body, tracking vital metrics, emotional states, and levels of activity.
AI algorithms process this data to deliver preemptive health advice, identify initial indicators of stress or sickness, and provide immediate measures to avert burnout or health emergencies.
Digital Caregivers:
Common items in our surroundings, like home appliances and furniture, now possess AI features that enable them to serve as digital caregivers. These items keep track of people's health, particularly for those with chronic conditions or those dealing with burnout.
They offer prompt alerts, medication reminders, and can even carry out simple health-related tasks, providing ongoing assistance and lightening the load for human caregivers.
AI-Generated Videos for Grief Support:
AI-generated videos of deceased loved ones are used therapeutically to help individuals cope with loss and depression. These videos simulate interactions, offering comfort and closure by recreating conversations and shared memories.
This technology supports mental health by allowing individuals to process grief in a personalized and emotionally supportive manner.
Re-Analogisation Nature Camps:
Health insurance companies are sponsoring "Re-Analogisation Nature Camps" as a component of mental health care. These camps offer a chance for digital detox, urging attendees to reconnect with nature and participate in analog activities that enhance mental well-being.
They serve to counterbalance the digitally intensive lifestyle with intervals of relaxation and renewal amidst nature, nurturing a comprehensive approach to health.
Media Training in Schools:
School curricula have expanded to encompass comprehensive media training, providing students with the necessary skills to critically evaluate and effectively navigate digital content. This form of education empowers young individuals to become astute media consumers and producers, with a clear understanding of the impact of deepfakes and AI-generated content.
Moreover, media training builds resilience against misinformation and supports mental well-being by guiding students in managing their digital footprint and interactions in a responsible manner.
Mars Mission and AI Mental Care:
The Mars Mission, a monumental milestone in space exploration, has been made feasible through AI-enhanced mental care systems for astronauts. These systems offer uninterrupted psychological support, oversee mental well-being, and replicate interactions with family and friends on Earth to preserve emotional balance throughout the mission.
The triumph of the Mars Mission underscores the vital importance of AI in bolstering human mental health in challenging and secluded settings, setting the stage for forthcoming ventures into space.
This envisioned future depicts a world where technology amplifies human connections, bolsters mental and physical health, and fosters a balanced way of life. The seamless integration of digital and analog experiences cultivates an environment that places well-being at the forefront.
What would a day in the life of Maya look like in this future world?
Morning: A New Dawn
As the sun rises in the year 2034, Maya wakes up to the gentle nudges of her smart bed, which has monitored her sleep patterns throughout the night. The bed, sensing that she’s had a restless night, plays a soothing melody and gently adjusts its temperature to ease her into wakefulness. Her smartwatch vibrates softly, displaying a morning greeting from her AI personal coach, Alex.
“Good morning, Maya,” Alex’s familiar voice chimes through her earpiece. “Today’s schedule is lighter than usual, so let’s focus on some relaxation exercises before your first meeting. How about a short meditation session?”
Maya nods, and the smart mirror in her bedroom begins displaying a serene virtual landscape of a tranquil forest. She sits down, breathing deeply as Alex guides her through a calming meditation.
Mid-Morning: A Seamless Blend of Work and Wellness
Following her meditation, Maya proceeds to the kitchen where her AI-enabled coffee maker prepares her preferred blend. While enjoying her coffee, her smartwatch vibrates with a health check alert. It monitors her vital signs and mood, indicating that she appears somewhat stressed. The AI suggests a short walk outdoors before starting her workday.
Outside, Maya is welcomed by the verdant surroundings of her neighborhood. During her stroll, her AI companion engages her in conversation, discussing recent news and sharing a humorous story aligned with her interests to elevate her mood. The interaction is comforting and feels authentic, as the AI replicates the voice and mannerisms of her late grandfather, fostering a sense of connection.
Once back indoors, Maya accesses her virtual office. Her AI aide has readied her workspace, sorted her tasks, and arranged virtual meetings. Using deepfake technology, she interacts with colleagues in a simulated setting that mirrors an actual office. They converse about projects, exchange ideas, and even enjoy virtual coffee breaks, preserving a team spirit despite being physically apart.
Afternoon: Balancing Digital and Analog Worlds
After a productive morning, Maya’s digital caregiver suggests a break. Her smart home system activates the kitchen to prepare a healthy lunch, tailored to her nutritional needs. As she eats, her AI coach reminds her of an upcoming “Re-Analogization Nature Camp” weekend, sponsored by her health insurance. She smiles, looking forward to disconnecting from digital life and immersing herself in nature.
Post-lunch, Maya attends a virtual seminar on media literacy. This is now a standard part of lifelong learning, helping everyone stay informed and critical about the content they consume. Today’s session focuses on the ethical use of deepfakes and AI, fostering a deeper understanding of these powerful tools.
In the year 2034, Maya relaxes in her cozy, modern living room by engaging in a lifelike AI-generated video call with her late mother on a vast, high-definition screen. This interaction provides comfort and emotional support, aiding her in managing her grief. Meanwhile, her smartwatch reminds her to check on her elderly neighbor. Using a sophisticated digital caregiver application on her phone, Maya verifies her neighbor's well-being, courtesy of AI-monitored household items that keep track of health. The room is gently illuminated, embodying advanced technology that is integrated inconspicuously into the surroundings.
Evening: Technological Comfort and Human Connection
In the evening, Maya relaxes with a video call generated by AI of her late mother. The lifelike interaction aids her in dealing with her loss, offering a feeling of closure and continuous support. This creative application of deepfake technology has become a common therapeutic method, assisting individuals like Maya in managing their emotions.
Before going to sleep, Maya's smartwatch prompts her to check on her elderly neighbor via a digital caregiver application. The app assures her that everything is fine, courtesy of the AI-monitored household items that keep track of her neighbor's health.
Comforted, Maya proceeds with her evening routine.
Night: Preparing for Tomorrow
As the evening approaches, Maya checks her agenda for the following day. Her AI coach emphasizes the forthcoming news on the Mars Mission, a venture she is fervently interested in. The mission's triumph is significantly credited to the AI-enhanced psychological care provided to astronauts, showcasing the remarkable progress of the last ten years.
Maya's intelligent bed conforms to her sleeping preferences, and her AI coach wishes her a restful night. "Sleep well, Maya. A new day brimming with possibilities awaits."
While falling asleep, Maya contemplates the effortless fusion of technology in her daily life. In a world where AI and deepfakes not only boost productivity and health but also nurture authentic human connections, this balanced future envisions a harmonious blend of digital and physical realities, ensuring a life rich in wellness and satisfaction.
This appears to be a scenario of an interrupted and digitally transformed future.
If we approach the situation with a Warrior's mentality, as in the Sarkar Game, but are interrupted by an event that compels humanity to evacuate Earth and relocate to Mars due to Earth becoming uninhabitable, how would the scenario alter or develop? What policies and strategies could we devise to lessen the impact and maintain transformation?
Here are several questions that you might ask to consider in building the scenario:
How would a Warrior's mentality prioritize actions in the immediate aftermath of discovering Earth is becoming uninhabitable?
What steps would be taken first to ensure the survival of humanity during the transition from Earth to Mars?
How would the logistical challenges of evacuating Earth and relocating to Mars be managed with a Warrior's approach?
What kind of infrastructure would need to be established on Mars to support human life, and how would a Warrior's mentality influence the design and implementation of this infrastructure?
What type of leadership structures would emerge under a Warrior's mentality during this crisis?
How would decisions be made, and what mechanisms would be put in place to ensure effective and efficient governance on Mars?
How would the Warrior's mentality affect the cultural and social dynamics among the relocated population?
What measures would be taken to maintain morale and social cohesion during and after the relocation?
How would a Warrior's mentality address the challenges of resource scarcity and environmental preservation on a new planet?
What health policies would be put in place to address the physical and mental well-being of the population during and after the relocation?
How would preventive and emergency healthcare services be structured on Mars?
What security measures would be established to protect the new society on Mars?
How would defense strategies be formulated to address potential threats, both internal and external?
Keep an eye out for Phases 2 and 3 of the scenarios.