Zero Equity

Mary bought a mansion, a luxury automobile, and a yacht, and she enjoyed them every night after work. Her real job paid minimally, so she lived off credit. Like most of the world's population, Mary didn't own these things, but she experienced them.

Each night after work, Mary plugged-in to play in the VR world. Her debt racked up as she kept receiving offers to buy more 'virtual stuff' for a minimum monthly payment. Her VR life became a subscription to live but not a foundation from which to survive.

One day Mary encountered Robert, who showed her his beautiful seaside ranch. They rode horses together, frolicked in the grass, and bonded into a blissful romance. Mary fell in love with Robert.

Another day she visited Robert's place, and as she stood at his front door, she heard the giggling and laughing of many female voices.

One voice said, "Oh Robert, you're so divine. Do you truly love me, like all the rest?"

Robert answered, "Of course, my dear. I am programmed to love all of you, but you most of all."

Mary's hands shook, and she could barely breathe. She thought to herself, "Robert? Robert's not real ... an AI? I'm such a fool!"

Robert convinced her to purchase a seaside ranch next to his as part of a timeshare with others. Little did Mary think that meant with Robert's other women.

"Robert, you monster! "She banged on the door." How could I have believed in you?"

Robert opened the door. "Hello, my love."

Mary slapped his face.

"That's no way to treat your one and only." Robert smiled.

"Robert, you aren't even real!"

"Of course, my love. Have you ever met a real person here? These women are my AI partners for romantic practice."

Mary thought back within the context of all her past VR experiences. She realized everyone she ever met could have been an AI avatar, all meant to bond with her and make her feel companionship to buy more 'virtual stuff.'

She screamed and ripped off her neural connectors.

As her mind awoke, she observed the barrenness of her rented apartment: a recliner, a mattress, and a dust-covered dining room table with a single wooden chair. All her intangible investments meant nothing, for the VR technology would spiral into obsolescence like all technologies before it.

After her epiphany, Mary remained unplugged and decided to save real money to purchase property—to appreciate her life in the metaphorical and literal sense ...

She realized plugging-in meant zero equity. That to invest in herself, she must face challenges in the real world.