About this blog
If, as predicted by Ray Kurzweil and others, most interpersonal interactions will by mid-century occur in virtual environments, we need to understand the psychological and cultural implications for education, business, governance, and for society overall.Taking its title from the J.G. Ballard novel of that name, the Unlimited Dream Company is an in-world research and discussion group for those interested in the ways in which technology shapes psychology in virtual worlds--and, in particular, those who believe that immersive 3D worlds have become a medium par excellence for thought experiment and personal transformation, whether intended by its 'residents' or not.
You are encouraged to read the introductory statement and About page before reading individual articles.
This blog was launched on 28th December 2010.
Category Archives: Addiction
Dubious study by Shanghai Mental Health Centre
The Independent today published a news item reporting research at Shanghai Mental Health Centre that purports to show that changes in the brain similar to those seen in people addicted to alcohol, cocaine and cannabis. In a groundbreaking study, researchers … Continue reading
Life 2.0
“That’s why it’s called the web: because you get stuck in it” I’ve been hearing about Jason Spingarn-Koff’s Second Life documentary, Life 2.0, for probably close to a year now, watched the trailer a couple of months back, and was … Continue reading
The Myth of Sisyphus
This morning I had a chat with one of my oldest and dearest SL friends, a well educated, highly intelligent, and deeply insightful woman, a friend whom I love dearly and respect immensely. Briefly and uneasily back in SL after … Continue reading
‘Trapped in a perfect world’
I remember one day–I’ll never forget–I was about four years old and I was playing one day and I saw the cellar door open, just a crack. Now my folks had always warned me “Emo, whatever you do, don’t go … Continue reading
Away with the faeries
… we reached the land of the Lotus-eaters, who live on a food that comes from a kind of flower. Here we landed to take in fresh water, and our crews got their mid-day meal on the shore near the … Continue reading
The Unlimited Dream Company 