Virtual Relationships

So I read this article in The Atlantic about the future of video games. The article focused on two innovative and visionary minds, Mateas and Stern, whose dream is to make virtual characters so real that players "feel like you're immersed in an actual relationship."

As I read, I cringed a bit and could feel many of my friends cringe with the thought: "It is a sad state of affairs when we must turn to computers to fill the relational void that pervades our lives and our society." I do wonder why it is that interacting with an artificial intelligence has such a draw and intrigue when we so readily give up on interacting with the real intelligences around us.

On the other hand, the clinical psychologist in me immediately thought of the therapeutic use of such technology. Instead of waiting for particular interactions and dynamics to come up in therapy sessions, these could be simulated in a virtual role play. Social skills, communication, conflict resolution, forgiveness... these could all be practiced in a controlled environment, confidence and competence gained with which to send an individual out to use these experiences in real life with friends and family. Furthermore, it need not be limited to clinical environments. If children and adults were "playing" out these interactions in their spare time, would it not readily transfer to real living and lead to better relationship skills? "Jen, you can't be serious," you might be thinking. And my reply is that I am leaving out numerous caveats, cautions, and limitations that come immediately to mind as I write this... But let me just ask, would this type of entertainment not be a step above the mindless shoot-em-up, action games that pervade the market today? I am willing to be wrong on this point. Because it would not be better if people then ended up spending more time with fake people than real people...

Wow, this is such a loaded entry that I'm surprised I'm posting it. But it is a fascinating and engaging idea and very possibly a phenomenon that we will face one day.

There is obviously more that could be said, but I have other things that require my time. But if you're interested in a taste of what Mateas and Stern are seeking to create, a prototype is available for free download at www.interactivestory.net. There you will find a program called "Facade" that is basically a 20 minute one-act interactive drama in which you visit two friends who are in the middle of a marital crisis. Your presence and input affects (and actually effects, I suppose) the outcome of said crisis. Sadly, my computer does not have a high enough processing speed to keep up with the program so I have not made it past an initial introduction through Grace and Trip's front door before they stand before me speechless and blinking.

If you do try it out, please let me know what you think!