We are Living in a Computer Simulation

Luca Collacciani
Nov 3 · 2 min read

We have long been fascinated by the idea that the world as it appears to us is not the ultimate reality. Computer-based virtual reality makes the idea that we could be living in a simulation more than just a theoretical event; some very smart people even think that this is not only possible but likely, very likely.
In 2003, the Oxford philosopher Nick Bostrom argued that if such a simulation were created at any point in the universe’s history, then we are almost certainly in one now.
Elon Musk says that the chances we are not puppets in a virtual world are billions to one against. It’s easy to laugh this off, but life is similar to a complex videogame…and look at the evolution of videogames in the last decades:

FIFA
Doom

Now think about the following:

  • Everything slows down at rush hour because we live in a simulation and it can’t handle the number of objects on-screen
  • When processing power is low we have foggy days limiting draw distance
  • It is very hard to get out of bed in the morning because you are trying to load new content
  • This is why we have day/night cycles on half the planet at a time. The simulation can’t render full-planet daytime raytracing and draw distance, nor handle the ping of every person being awake at once
  • There is math behind traffic jams, it is an intentional algorithm the aliens implemented to deal with too many objects at the same time
  • Time slows down when everyone’s rushing around, too much processing power needed
  • Gravity makes the universe easier to simulate, particles tend to concentrate, which reduces the volume of simulation.

Does life feel less real now? :)

Luca Collacciani

Written by

Polymath, Ambivert & Tech-Anthropologist. Books and Tea Lover. Dream Job: Archaeologist of the Psyche. Future worst-selling author and board game designer.

Welcome to a place where words matter. On Medium, smart voices and original ideas take center stage - with no ads in sight. Watch
Follow all the topics you care about, and we’ll deliver the best stories for you to your homepage and inbox. Explore
Get unlimited access to the best stories on Medium — and support writers while you’re at it. Just $5/month. Upgrade