Are we going to have digital babies in the future?

When was the last time your entire family sat down for a hearty meal and had a good laugh together? Have you ever wondered about the impact of technology on your family and intimacy? 

It seems like every generation redefines what it means to be a family, and now we’re on the brink of another major shift with the rise of digital twins and humanoids. 

A Look Back

In the past, especially in agricultural societies, it was common to have large families. Every family had at least 7-10 children. Each child was not just another mouth to feed but a pair of hands to help at the farms. Families didn't just operate as families, but they were mini-economies.

Many suggest that it also led to the problem of disproportionate overpopulation across the globe. However, the birth rates have been declining lately. We have been seeing fewer children per family.

On the one hand, one may call it progress made with educational campaigns. But on the other hand, it has also gotten more expensive to bear children. Education, healthcare, and basic living costs have skyrocketed, yet universal basic incomes or public policies haven't kept pace.

Pointing fingers at falling birth rates without tackling the root issues is useless. As concerning as many find it, the opportunity cost of bearing a child is high for most people, especially women. We can’t expect someone to be perfect at everything they do, yet we do.

The community used to be an individual’s safety net. Lately, people have been stripped of the constant community support. And babies have more enemies than ever before!

The Digital Human Era

As life becomes more expensive and complicated, technology offers a new possibility with Digital Humans. Whether you talk about digital twins, humanoids, NPCs, Autonomous Agents, or whatnot, the trends of using them in everything from marketing to companionship are on the rise.

Yet, this brings up big questions. Is turning these digital entities into workers a new form of slavery, especially if the goal is to help them become sentient? Why are we ruthlessly anthropomorphizing technology even when we know it is a double-edged sword?

Moreover, while the idea is to use these “Digital Humans” as influencers or brand ambassadors, we have to ask: Can digital entities really replace human connection? Or is this just creating a deeper digital illusion, the internet filled with 'non-player characters' that might deepen the feeling of isolation?

Are we taking the “dead internet” problem to its next level?

Human Intimacy and Its Discontents

What's normal for intimacy and family changes depending on where you look. A vibrator can be a symbol of liberation in one place and contraband in another. Dogs are family members to some and dinner to others. Senicide is an act of mercy for some and a crime for others. Our practices around intimacy and family are as varied as humanity itself.

And when it comes to AI and robots, what is it that can be considered normal? If people can form attachments to digital partners or pets, how far off are we from adopting digital children? Could we see a future where digital babies are a thing?

The Role of AI in Our Lives

We're already seeing AI integrate into our lives, promising a boost in productivity. But it could also lead to a dystopian future where digital children are the norm. Just think about it, having a child without the messiness of human reproduction. No labor pain, no diapers, no college funds, just a clean, straightforward digital creation that can be switched off anytime.

So, what does this mean for us as a society? Are we heading towards a future where our digital creations fulfill roles traditionally held by humans, even those as intimate as a family? How will it impact our perception of being humans? Will we even value human life anymore, and if so, then why?

Wrapping Up

The world is changing, and technology is pushing the boundaries of what we consider possible. As we contemplate the future, we must ask not just "can we?" but "should we?" What kind of future are we building, and who is it for?

Let me also hear your thoughts. Are digital babies something you'd ever consider? How do you see AI impacting our definitions of family and intimacy?