Hello –

Fascinating questions for contemplation.

Before trying to provide some answers, recall how “cyberspace” has evolved in recent years, and the relation of that evolution to the technological advances in computing, display, and communication.

THE PRODUCTS

In the real world, you have simple communication, information retrieval, and sales of products. These activities can be performed using computers and communication systems.

In “cyberspace”, fundamentally, there have been only 4 rewards that computers have been capable of delivering. First off, images can trigger sex and violence brain reward centers: online porn (roughly 1/3 of bandwith used today) and video games use these mechanisms. Most video content also uses these same 2 mechanisms in support of societal goals; and with the current bandwidth, storage, and processing power available, this content is about to be made “free” (stolen on a hundreds of billions of dollars level).

Music (sound in a neurally “recognizable’ pattern) is pleasurable, making number 4. Sales in the “real world” have fallen from $48 billion to $30 billion per year as this content has been made “free”.

Problem solving in and of itself is pleasurable - computer programs in and of themselves are another good, often used in support of obtaining the 4 goods listed above.

To these 4 might be added a 5th, self validation within a group (this is often seen at habitable zone, for example), but in this case the computer is only a tool for delivery.

THE TECHNOLOGIES

Teletype – baudot code via land lines.
Broadcast networks – land lines, kinescopes.
Teletype with recipients key word match, storage

THE AGES OF JAPANESE ELECTRONICS -
45s – pocket radios and portable mono record players
LPs – FM and inexpensive stereo players
Disco – PA systems capable of working at club volumes
Hollywood – the age of VHS recorders
FAX – the age of inexpensive facsimile machines and answering machines
videogames
CD and DVD – digital storage of film and music
Cyberspace – the age of inexpensive personal computers

CYBERSPACE

Text messages sent via phone to end recipient
e-mail – text messages sent via telephone to private storage systems
bbs – pay telephone company for local call; pay bbs provider for storage. Content porn, games, programs.
u-net – data, programs
newsgroups – shared e-mail
URL and http – graphic interface, easy retrieval; BUT importantly, unlike bbs, long distance connection to data storage “free” - paid for by public funding

THE QUESTIONS

“Suppose in the future most people spent 99% of their lives plugged in.”

Unlikely, most people would rather spend their time in the real world.

“Is it sustainable?”

This is a moot question in the long run – see above.

“Suppose a person was handicapped and spent 100% of their life plugged in -- could that person do science?”

Not an unreasonable assumption – there are handicapped people who spend large amounts of their time “plugged in”. Yes, that person could do science, but would have to rely on others for experiment and observation.

“Can a set of physical laws be deduced empirically from observations of a simulated reality?”

The assumed “physical laws” generate the “simulated reality” – but it is the comparison of that “simulated reality” with reality that determines the validity of the “physical laws”.

“Can flaws be found? Can flaws be taken advantage of ? “

No progress is possible without mistakes.

“What if our biological essence were reduced to bacterial motes, each with finite lifespans, immersed physically in a vast ocean, mentally uplinked to a VR experience machine network? What if.... ?”

VR – virtual reality. Sveral years ago, MicroSoft applied its “Embrace, Extend, Envelop” strategy to the nascent VR industry, and killed it for the time being. Ultimately, mu guess is that VR will be as Dennis Miller said, “you give and unemployed steel worker the chance to frolic with Natasha Kinski, and it’s going to make heroin look like sanka.”.

But ultimately, usually addicts will stop of their own accord.