What If Science Figured Out We Live In a Simulation?
By: Eszter Brhlik
Tags: Society, Simulation, Technology, Philosophy, Virtual Reality

Welcome to the Greatest Video Game of Your Life

Imagine you turn on the news today, and the broadcaster says that valid evidence show we live in a simulation. Everything around us — the people, the sky above, the ground we walk on, and even our bodies and minds — are an elaborate illusion. Our reality is virtual, and we never truly existed. We are a series of zeros and ones.

Let’s suppose the whole world is a computer program, where we have to solve complex issues to move on a higher level — both individually and collectively.

If you were born in a developing country, your gamer chose a more challenging route. Or maybe our gamers abandoned us right after they created the playground.

Gods are only gamers or scientists in a more advanced society. The purpose of our world is yet to be discovered.

How Would This Affect Society?

Oliver will turn 16 in a few days. He’s an average teenage boy who enjoys spending his time with video games, friends, and cycling. Now Oliver is frustrated and slightly paranoid. He knows everything about computer games but could never imagine life could be one.

Oliver was playing video games when he heard the news on the TV. He spent the evening in the living room with his family on this sunny spring evening.

It’s already been 3 weeks since scientists first announced to the general public that reality as we perceive it is simulated. Now, the reporter talks about a new fear people collectively experience: They worry the gamer will unexpectedly turn off the simulation. Experts named it the ‘Game-Over Phobia.’

There is a significant rise in crimes. Many people feel they are entitled to do whatever they want; thefts, robberies, breaking-in houses, but smaller fights and even murders are increasing. The scientist in the TV show explained the discoveries “relieve us from being accountable for our actions,” he says. “There is nothing more damaging to our social order than this notion.”

The various religious groups also put some thoughts into the discussion. “Obviously, they cannot simply admit they were wrong for thousands of years,” snorted Oliver’s father, who is a researcher in a pharma company. “They always have to twist the arguments to their favor.”

The Catholic church took advantage of the discoveries. The pope claimed they were right all the time. Only one God exists; that is our “gamer.”

Hinduists and Buddhists argue if we’re living in a simulation, we can have multiple plays, not just one. Therefore, reincarnation is what is going to happen to us. “Even though you can scientifically explain something, it’s still magical. Nothing has changed, keep meditating, and you’ll have a life filled with purpose and calm.” said a Buddhist monk.

Another issue is that gamers around the world are trying hard to hack the system. Some of them solely want to find the money code; others seek ways out of the simulation.

“It’s enough for today; let’s have dinner” Rebbeca turned off the TV, Oliver’s mother. The sun was shining through the window, shedding light on the fresh flowers on the kitchen table. Everything felt so real.

“How was your day today, Oliver?” asked Rebecca. “Didn’t your class have that counseling session with the school psychologist today?” she added. Oliver is a bit more frustrated than usual, and her parents are worried. “Yes, we had that today,” said Oliver.

“And how was it?” Oliver’s dad showed some interest in the topic as well.

“It was cool.” shrugged Oliver.

“Okaaayy…A bit more in detail maybe?” went on Rebecca.

“She tried to calm us down about the whole fuss, and I guess she managed that quite well.”

When the family finished the tasty meal, they didn’t even think about what they actually consumed was only a few bits of information.