Imagining the future version of oneself is a common activity, often filled with hopes, dreams, and sometimes uncertainties about what lies ahead. Researchers at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) have developed an innovative AI-powered tool called Future You AI, which brings that concept to life by allowing individuals to interact with a simulated version of their future selves, 30 years down the line.
The Future You AI project, developed by MIT’s Media Lab, encourages users to engage in introspection about who they are today, who they want to become, and how they can plan for their future. Using AI and digital aging technology, Future You AI offers a visual and conversational glimpse into your future, helping you reflect on long-term goals and aspirations.
How Future You AI works?
Future You AI uses an advanced chatbot that simulates a version of yourself from 30 years into the future. To create this digital persona, the AI system asks a series of questions about your current life, including details about relationships, career ambitions, personal goals, and past experiences. This information helps the AI model build a profile of your potential future self, which it then links to a customized version of OpenAI’s GPT-3.5 AI model.
In addition to the interactive chatbot, Future You AI incorporates digital aging technology that allows you to upload a photo of yourself. The system then uses this image to generate an aged version of you, providing a visual representation of how you might look in three decades.
The most striking feature of Future You AI is its ability to create a synthetic memory for your future persona. This memory reflects the goals and milestones you hope to achieve over the next 30 years, offering a detailed timeline of how your future self reached those points. The AI doesn’t just tell you that you’ve accomplished your goals—it simulates the journey, providing a convincing, personalized account of the choices and events that led to those outcomes.
How to use Future You AI?
In this study, you’ll engage with your future self through an AI-powered tool designed to help you reflect on your goals and personal growth. Follow these steps to guide you through the process:
1. Introduction
Upon starting the experience, you will be greeted with a welcome page. Here are a few things to keep in mind:
- You will be asked to complete a survey and interact with your future self.
- If you do not see the survey questions, please scroll down, as this form might be embedded within the platform.
- The results from this survey may be used for academic research purposes.
2. Terms of participation
Before you begin, carefully read the terms of participation:
- Your data will be anonymized and strictly used for research purposes.
- You can opt out at any time by closing the survey without submitting your answers.
- You will remain anonymous in any publications resulting from this study.
3. Consent to participate
Before moving forward, you’ll need to provide your consent. The form will ask:
- Do you consent to participate in this study and allow the use of your data?
- Select Yes to proceed.
- Select No if you do not wish to participate.
4. Answer the survey
- You will be asked to complete a series of questions about your current emotional state, relationships, career goals, and personal aspirations.
- For example, as shown in the image, you may rate how strongly you feel various emotions, such as being anxious, motivated, or relaxed. Select the response that best fits your current state.
5. Engaging with your future self
- After completing the survey, the AI will generate a version of your future self based on the data you’ve provided.
- You will have the option to upload a current photo, which the AI will age by 30 years.
- Engage in a conversation with your future self. The AI will simulate a dialogue based on the timeline and choices you’ve described. It may reflect on how you’ve reached certain milestones or pursued specific goals.
6. Review and reflect
- As you chat with your future self, consider the insights gained from the interaction.
- How do you feel about the goals you’ve set?
- What changes might you want to make in your life today to align better with the future you envision?
7. Completion
- Once you’ve finished the interaction, submit your answers.
- You can close the browser window or application when you’re done.
Future You AI represents a unique use of artificial intelligence—one that goes beyond entertainment to provide valuable psychological benefits. The tool’s ability to simulate future scenarios based on personal data has the potential to improve not only how people perceive their future selves but also how they plan and act in the present.
Image credits: Emre Çıtak/Ideogram AI/MIT
