Future Presence

More about the book

A Wired senior editor and virtual reality expert offers an engaging look into the future of this transformative technology, exploring how it will reshape relationships, intimacy, and human connection. Virtual reality, hailed as a groundbreaking innovation, is set to redefine our understanding of life and humanity. Although still in its early stages, VR promises to revolutionize work, entertainment, emotional experiences, self-perception, and interpersonal relationships. Peter Rubin, a leading authority in the field, refers to VR as an "intimacy engine," suggesting that it will enable individuals to experience closeness, trust, and vulnerability independently for the first time in history. This shift is expected to profoundly affect personal relationships and societal dynamics. The exploration delves into the cultural implications of this new reality, raising essential questions about our humanity, connections, and perceptions of reality. Rubin takes readers on an enlightening journey through the latest developments in universities, labs, and tech companies, blending travelogue with foresight. He introduces the creators and consumers of VR technology, shares firsthand experiences with current devices, and discusses how this innovation will challenge our understanding of human connection. This examination of virtual reality's rise offers a personal reflection on relationships, empathy, and the future of intimacy, revealing pos