Have you ever heard someone say that there has been a glitch in the simulation when something strange happens? The idea that we are living in a computer simulation is a theory that many people believe based on several reasons. If we were living in a simulation, this would mean that all of reality, even the universe, is actually artificial (chances are that it would be a computer simulation if this theory were to be proven true) that was created by a more developed civilization than us. In this post, we will discuss what evidence suggests that this theory is true and what exactly it would mean for us if it was true.
There have been several scientists and physicists who have said that it is possible that we could be living in a simulation. Brian Greene, a theoretical physicist, explains that “the idea of living in a simulation is not just the result of a physicist’s overactive imagination—the math is there. We used to consider the Big Bang a singular event that gave rise to one universe, but the math shows you don’t use up all that fuel in a single big bang. In fact, the bang itself winds up generating more of the fuel which generates other bangs—other universes” (Is Reality a Computer Simulation?). The more that we learn about the universe, the more mathematical explanations we find. In order to make a computer game, or a simulation, you must use several math equations which replicate computer codes. This is a large reason why some people believe in this theory. Mass power outages also suggest that we may be living in a simulation; when simulations eat up too much power, power outages may be caused. Think about this: The technology to create a virtual reality already exists. You can put a pair of high tech goggles on and feel like you are in a completely different world.
So if we actually are living in a simulation, what does that mean for us? For starters, our world would be able to suddenly end at any time. Once the beings who are controlling our simulation are done, they can simply shut if off, which would completely end our world. This may be one of the scariest aspects of the simulation theory, however there are some that could be beneficial. If we are living in a simulation, that means there is a chance that we are part of a multiverse (several simulations being ran separately). If the simulations ever crossed and collaborated on things, a world of new opportunities could open up. There would also be the possibility of hackers, which could cause a huge disruption in our world. If someone was able to hack the codes of our simulation, they could change our world into whatever they want it to be.
At the end of the day, even if we are living in a simulation, it is not likely that it will drastically affect our day to day life. We will still exist within the university that we know. But, when you look at some of the evidence that supports this theory, it does make you wonder…
https://bigthink.com/natalie-shoemaker/question-the-nature-of-your-reality-with-neil-degrasse-tyson-brian-greene