Artor Sichoff envisions a future where people can preserve the data of loved ones to create digital avatars, providing comfort and connection even after death.
Tanya Luna shares how embracing surprise leads to personal growth, deeper connections, and opens doors to new possibilities.
Deep dives
Preserving Memories and Personalities Virtually
Somnium Space is a virtual reality platform where users can create and interact with avatars in a metaverse. The founder, Artor Sichoff, envisions a future where people can record and preserve the data of their loved ones in order to create digital avatars that live on even after their physical death. He believes that being able to have conversations with these avatars can provide comfort and a sense of connection. While there are concerns about privacy and security, Sichoff emphasizes that the data collection process would be transparent and encrypted. The goal is to offer people an option to retain a virtual presence and leave a lasting legacy.
The Power of Surprise and Unpredictability
Tanya Luna, author of the book 'Surprise: Embrace the Unpredictable and Engineer the Unexpected', shares how embracing surprise can lead to personal growth and deeper connections with others. She describes her journey from a fear of surprises to falling in love and realizing that embracing unpredictability is the essence of aliveness. Luna believes that even conflict resolution and relationship problems can be addressed by stepping out of predictable patterns and exploring new directions. She encourages individuals to interrupt their own patterns, embrace wonder, and open the doors to new possibilities.
Creating Connections through Art and Avatars
Artist JR uses virtual reality and other technologies to create immersive art experiences that bring people together. He believes that art has the power to change perceptions and build connections. Through his work, JR aims to give a voice to marginalized individuals and communities. He shares stories of working with inmates in a maximum-security prison, allowing them to express themselves and be seen through art. By breaking down barriers and fostering dialogue between inmates and guards, JR's art has the potential to transform relationships and challenge preconceived notions.
The Quest for Immortality in the Virtual World
Artor Sichoff, founder of Somnium Space, envisions a future where people can achieve a form of digital immortality through virtual reality. Somnium Space is a platform where users can create and interact with avatars in a virtual world. Sichoff's latest feature, Live Forever Mode, allows users to pay to create a digital duplicate of themselves or their loved ones that can exist even after their physical death. While there are concerns around privacy and data collection, Sichoff believes that giving people the option to preserve their presence and leave a lasting impact can provide solace and connection to future generations.
When times get tough, how do we keep our spirits up? In part 3 of our series Mind, Body, Spirit, TED speakers tell stories of salvaging the human psyche and rekindling a zest for life. Guests include author Tania Luna, artist JR and tech entrepreneur Artur Sychov.
