Imagine Your Future

Have you ever imagined your future—where you will be and what you will be doing? Researchers from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and other institutions have developed an artificial intelligence (AI) system that allows users to interact with a modelled version of themselves in the future. The main goal is to help individuals, especially young people, feel more connected to their future. Asking questions of their future selves can help users reflect on their goals and choices. This may encourage better long-term decisions, such as saving money, focusing on education, or career choice. In studies, users reported feeling less anxious and more engaged in their future after using the system. The AI generates possible future actions or events based on the user’s responses to make the experience seem more realistic. The researchers continue to improve the model and explore how it could help people make better decisions regarding their careers or everyday choices.