How Can My Avatar Help My Retirement?
April 07, 2011I love delving into different financial articles because, if nothing else, it provides me with new educational tools I can utilize in workshops and one-on-one conversations. But the other thing it provides me is entertainment. It is rare that an article can feed both. I was lucky enough to find one that really grabbed me.
In a nutshell the article went into how Stanford University has a “virtual mirror” where a person can stare into it and see themselves as much older. The example in the article had a 22 year old student gazing longingly into the eyes of her 68 year old self. WOW!! That alone was pretty interesting stuff, but then it got better.
By using the virtual mirror, the science known as “The Proteus Effect,” studies how an individual reacts to their virtual avatar and how they adjust their behavior. For example, someone who sees their virtual avatar as an active person may exercise themselves more. A person who views themselves as shy may see their avatar as socially adept which could lead to that type of behavior.
The studies that are currently being done revolve around if this could work in getting younger people to take a more active role in their retirement future. I mean after all, if you’re staring at an older (I mean more mature) you, how are you going to explain not taking care of yourself? Because you know, it’s only a matter of time before that virtual avatar starts talking at you, and can you imagine the diatribe you would get if you aren’t saving?
So what are you going to do now? Go stand in front of a mirror and imagine yourself 20-30 years older and then think, “What would my avatar say?” If it’s not what you would like, take action and save more! Your avatar, umm, I mean you, will thank yourself later.
Note: Check out this link for the complete article.