Did the Simulations Change Them for Real?

[Sushan Ekanayake]

This is a discussion topic for the June 2025 Book of the Month, "Anticipation Day: What Would You Do?" by Jeff Michelson.

If it feels real… is it real__20250607_155049_0000.png (982.67 KiB) Viewed 343 times

After going through an entire year inside a simulation, the characters return to their real lives with vivid memories.

So here’s something to think about: do you believe those simulated experiences became part of who they were?


If you are interested in a more philosophical discussion related to this topic, please visit onlinephilosophyclub.com.

[NetMassimo]

I'm not a philosopher; however, reading the novel, I gathered the impression that the protagonists felt that their experiences were very real, even if they were very aware that they were simulations. They were influenced by what happened during those experiences, so does it really matter whether they were real of they "only" felt real?

[Laney K]

I feel as though an experience like that would have some sort of impact on them, especially those who were in the simulations for longer. I would think a year, or even a few months, of a simulation would be enough for real change on the person once they left. A shorter time frame might not be enough for real change. I believe it takes around 3 weeks for a habit to form, so forming one in the simulation should translate back.

[Priya Murugesan]

I believe yes. That is the ultimate motive of the simulations. They should impact their real lives in a good way.

[Maggie Johnson 2]

I think the simulation definitely had the ability to change them. Even though they knew the simulation wasn't real, it still deeply affected them. They all came out of the simulation with a new perspective. Whether these changes lasted is a different story, but I think the simulations definitely carried over into their real lives and sparked some changes, or at least the desire to change.