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TAEJUNE PARK
In the year 2050, as the power of AR and VR technology reaches unprecedented heights, a new desire emerges among individuals - the longing for immortality in the virtual realm. It is within this context that the “MemoriaGuard Insurance” project presents an innovative
solution. By harnessing the capabilities of virtual reality and artificial intelligence, this groundbreaking insurance product, known as “Virtual Memory Assurance Insurance,” offers individuals the opportunity to transcend death and embrace an enduring existence in the digital realm.
Through the integration of AR and VR technologies, MemoriaGuard Insurance provides a seamless and immersive experience, allowing policyholders to navigate virtual realms where personal memories are meticulously preserved. Relationships with departed loved ones can be sustained, cherished, and interacted with, evoking a sense of everlasting connection. Additionally, the insurance enables individuals to selectively shape their memories, creating the desired version of themselves and empowering them with newfound control and agency over their life experiences.
However, this paradigm shift raises profound ethical questions. Is it morally justifiable to manipulate one’s memories and blur the boundaries between reality and constructed narratives? Moreover, the desire to prolong relationships beyond death challenges our understanding of mortality and the acceptance of life’s natural cycle. The MemoriaGuard Insurance project prompts critical reflection on the intricate interplay between memory, identity, and the human experience.
Within this landscape, two plausible scenarios come to light. In one scenario, a terminally ill husband chooses to leave a lasting digital presence in the virtual space for his beloved wife, firmly believing that their connection can transcend the physical realm. In the other scenario, parents opt to enroll their child in the insurance, granting them the power to mold the child’s memories within the virtual space according to their own desires. However, this scenario exposes the ethical concerns surrounding parental egoism and the potential impact on the child’s authentic identity formation.
The MemoriaGuard Insurance project not only explores the possibilities of immortality in the digital age but also ignites a broader conversation about the ethical implications of memory manipulation and our everevolving relationship with mortality. By prompting introspection on the nature of personal identity and the significance of accepting our transient existence, this project challenges conventional perceptions of life and death in the age of advanced technology.
Link to website
2023