One of the UK’s leading experts on artificial intelligence believes that within 50 years, parents will be opting to have virtual children on the Metaverse.

In her latest book, “AI by Design: A Plan For Living With Artificial Intelligence,” Catriona Campbell writes that concerns about overpopulation and affordability will make the rise of “Tamagotchi kids” a reality. 

“Virtual children may seem like a giant leap from where we are now, but within 50 years, technology will have advanced to such an extent that babies which exist in the metaverse are indistinct from those in the real world,” said Campbell. 

“As the metaverse evolves, I can see virtual children becoming an accepted and fully embraced part of society in much of the developed world.”

Campbell also argues that technology could be a permanent solution to overpopulation and replace having biological kids altogether due to how “real” the virtual children could be. 

“We’re already well on our way to creating the Tamagotchi generation which, for all intents and purposes, will be “real” to their parents,” writes Campbell.

Parents could enjoy the company of said Tamagotchi kids for a “small monthly fee,” elaborates Campbell.

“Make no mistake that this development, should it indeed take place, is a technological game-changer which, if managed correctly, could help us solve some of today’s most pressing issues, including overpopulation,” said Campbell.

Campbell is a client technology and innovation officer with Ernst & Young Global Limited, which has affiliations with the World Economic Forum. 

Her company participated in the 2021 World Economic Forum Annual Meeting on the topic of history being at a “turning point.” 

EY authors also wrote on topics such as decarbonization and stakeholder capitalism, an economic theory floated by World Economic Forum founder Klaus Schwab.