Will Virtual Interaction Ever Truly Replicate the In-Person Experience?

With the rapid advancements in artificial intelligence (AI), the future promises many new experiences. However, I am skeptical about whether virtual interactions can ever truly replicate the in-person experience, especially when it comes to activities like trying on clothes or highly personal moments. While some may embrace the future with open arms, I, at the age of 70, am still more traditional in my approach to communication and personal experiences.

Communication Challenges in Space

One of the most significant challenges in communication arises from the vast distances in space, particularly when sending signals to and from Mars. The latency, or the delay in signal transmission, can be as long as six to forty minutes. This lag time can significantly impact the spontaneity of communication, making it feel less connected.

Animated Avatar Communication: A Potential Solution

To address these communication challenges, I propose the use of animated avatar communication. This involves the use of AI-generated avatars for Mars-Earth communication, making the experience more seamless and engaging.

Here’s how it works: When two individuals are communicating, each end uses an AI-generated avatar. For example, Eartha is on Earth, and Marsha is on Mars. The AI collects and evaluates the information from the conversations, considering the ongoing discussion and planning for the next session to correct any discrepancies.

Enhancing Communication Through AI

For instance, if Eartha says, “Can your mother move into our house while I’m on Mars and I say I have to think about it,” Marsha’s AI avatar may provide a more nuanced response, such as:

“Can your mother move into our house while I’m on Mars? It’s okay as long as she pays her bills and is out of the house before I’m back from Mars.”

This response allows for a more fluid conversation, ensuring that the long-term feeling of the ongoing interaction is consistent, despite the physical distance between the communicators. The goal is to create a continuous and engaging experience, making the AI respond in a way that feels natural and human-like, even if the responses are not always immediate.

Measuring the Success of Animated Avatar Communication

The success of this system can be tested by comparing the connectedness individuals experience through a real-time Zoom-like interface to that experienced through animated avatar communication. The aim is to provide a simulated environment that maintains continuity and psychological improvement, despite the absence of immediate human interaction.

By leveraging AI-generated avatars, we can enhance communication in various ways, reducing the feeling of discontinuity and providing a more engaging experience. While the goal of replacing human interactions entirely may be ambitious, using digital communications to bridge the gap between individuals, especially in challenging scenarios like those in space exploration, is definitely within reach.

Conclusion

AI and virtual interactions hold the potential to significantly improve communication and continuity in various contexts. By embracing technologies like animated avatar communication, we can bridge the gap and create a more seamless experience, even when physical proximity is not possible.