In an age where our digital presence is increasing, in everything from traditional computer games to social VR environments, we have begun to place greater value on the digital avatars that represent us. There is therefore a chance to have digital consumption reduce physical cravings.
In a new article by IIIEE researchers Matthias Lehner, Jessika Richter and Oksana Mont argue that this digital consumption has good potential to replace some physical consumption. Instead of constantly shopping for real clothes, in the future one could potentially be equally or more satisfied buying digital clothes for one's avatar. Additionally, physical experiences, such as concerts and travel, have the potential to be displaced into virtual experiences that may be more durable than the physical counterparts.
Read the article here (open access).
