UK Tech Author Predicts Rise of Low-Cost Virtual Offspring in Metaverse

Compiled by the editorial desk with reference to the original report in The Telegraph and the author's published statements.

A prominent British artificial intelligence specialist is forecasting a future where families raise digital offspring in the metaverse, a shift she claims could ease global population pressures and reduce environmental strain. Catriona Campbell, author of the forthcoming book "AI by Design: A Plan For Living With Artificial Intelligence," describes these virtual beings as "Tamagotchi children," a nod to the 1990s handheld digital pets.

In an interview with The Telegraph, Campbell argued that such virtual progeny could serve as an environmentally friendly and cost-effective alternative to traditional child-rearing, potentially addressing concerns about overpopulation and limited natural resources. She emphasized that the concept, while seemingly futuristic, could "solve some of today's most pressing issues, including overpopulation," provided it is "managed correctly."

The core of Campbell's argument rests on the belief that a growing human population is inflicting severe damage on the environment. However, her viewpoint runs counter to recent demographic projections that suggest the global population may begin to decline sharply in the latter half of this century. This has led figures like SpaceX CEO Elon Musk to advocate for increased birth rates, warning of a potential population crunch similar to the one currently emerging in China.

Furthermore, some researchers contend that technological advancements will significantly reduce the environmental footprint of each additional child over time, challenging the premise that fewer births are necessary for ecological sustainability.

Despite these counterpoints, Campbell remains convinced of her vision. She predicts that once the metaverse becomes integrated into daily life, the notion of raising AI babies will no longer seem extraordinary. "Virtual children may seem like a giant leap from where we are now," she writes in her book, "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."

According to Campbell, raising these digital children will not be entirely free, but the service would be "widely available for a relatively small monthly fee," making it accessible to a broad segment of the population.

Why This Matters

The proposal arrives amid a broader societal debate over the role of virtual environments in human life, with tech giants investing heavily in metaverse infrastructure. While the idea of virtual parenting may seem far-fetched, it raises questions about how future generations might define family, connection, and responsibility in an increasingly digital age. Whether an aging population would embrace such a concept remains uncertain, but the conversation highlights the growing intersection of technology and personal life.