I was reading an article that highlighted a statement by an artificial intelligence expert: “It is almost certain that we are living in a simulation.” Scientist Roman Yampolskiy explains why the rapid development of technology strengthens the theory.

It may sound crazy, but it has become somehow mainstream in recent years: that we are almost certainly living in a simulation.

Ready for a deep conversation with scientific and philosophical implications?

“Matrix” Simulation | Business Implications

The Expert

Yampolskiy supports his view with three main points.

Artificial intelligence is advancing so rapidly that it is reasonable to assume that a much more advanced civilization could create entire “simulated universes.”

If this is possible, then statistically it is more likely that we are in one of them, than in the “original” universe.

AI models, he says, already look like small simulations — so maybe we are something similar, just on a much larger scale.

Where does this idea come from?

It is Nick Bostrom’s well-known “Simulation Hypothesis”.

2003 paper “Are You Living in a Computer Simulation?” introduces a “Simulation Argument” proposing that one of three scenarios is likely…

1. Humanity goes extinct before becoming technologically capable of high-fidelity simulations.

2. Future posthuman civilisations are not interested in running ancestor simulations.

3. We are almost certainly living in a simulation. 

There is no proof, but the logic of probability is the basic argument.

The expert in the article takes it a bit further, saying that it is almost certain, not just possible.

Looks Like “Matrix”

You could say it’s a philosophical game rather than a real explanation of the world.

It’s like “The Matrix,” but without the dark glasses.

You can’t prove it or disprove it, so it remains in the realm of “interesting but elusive.”

And here comes the more human side.

Even if we live in a simulation, our experience is real to us. We hurt, we love, we laugh, we get angry. So… what changes practically?

In recent years I have heard similar theories.

I’m not ruling anything out. But what matters is that we enjoy life, whether we’re in a simulation or not.

Moreover, to prove that this is a simulation, irrefutable evidence would have to be provided that could lead humanity to unprecedented situations.

Many say that the idea of ​​“simulation” is no longer just a sci-fi fantasy; it has permeated our culture, our conversations, our movies, even our way of thinking about technology. And The Matrix… well, what can we say? It left its mark on us all. It posed the simplest yet most disturbing question: what if all of this isn’t the “real” level?

If ever there is irrefutable evidence that we are living in a simulation, humanity will go through a shock.

Not just “alright, we’re in the Matrix.” We’re talking about the collapse of religious and philosophical systems, a crisis of identity on an individual level, political and social upheaval, as well as a huge existential question: who made us and why?

And yet, everyday life doesn’t change. Food tastes good, we miss the people we love, pain hurts, joy is joy. Whether we’re in a simulation or not, our experience is real to us. That’s what matters.

Perhaps the most “Matrix” thing isn’t the simulation. It’s that people are searching for meaning in a world that doesn’t give it to them ready-made. That’s what makes us human.

Implications

If we look at it calmly, the “crazy revelation” that we live in a simulation wouldn’t just hit our personal worldview. It would shake up the entire civilisation.

Social and cultural impacts.

If irrefutable proof that the world is a simulation were to emerge tomorrow morning, we would see first, a crisis of meaning — People would feel that “reality is not what we thought.” Many would suffer an existential shock, others would take it as a liberation.

Collapse of traditional narratives — Religions, philosophical systems, even moral codes would be challenged. If we are a “code,” what does “good” and “bad” mean?

Social instability — From panic to extreme reactions. Some would feel that “nothing matters,” others that “everything matters because someone is watching us.”

New forms of identity — Movements like “simulation-rights”, “debuggers”, “seekers” would emerge, people who would like to find the “creator”.

Psychological effects.

Here is the subtlest point.

Depersonalisation — Some would feel like they are not “real.”

Freedom from fears — Others would say “since it’s a simulation, let’s live without anxiety.”

Need for new meaning — Humans cannot stand a vacuum. They should build a new narrative about “why we exist.”

When someone has analysed such issues thoroughly, they don’t panic. But humanity as a whole… is not so ready.

Political implications.

There would be chaos here.

Questioning authority — “If everything is a simulation, why should I obey?”

New ideologies — Parties that would promise to “find the creator,” “hack the system,” “free ourselves from the code.”

Unrest — When the world loses its footing, societies become unpredictable.

Economy and Business Effects

If it were revealed that we are living in a simulation, the economy would enter one of the strangest phases in history.

Collapse of trust.

Markets live on trust. If that is lost, we’d experience stock markets → plunge, investments → freezing and banks → panic.

Not because something practical changes, but because perception changes.

Value shift.

Suddenly, things like data, computing power, simulation technologies, neuroscience, philosophy and psychology would become the most valuable assets.

New markets.

Entirely new business models would emerge… “Simulation-tourism” (exploring the limits of simulation), “reality‑enhancement services” and companies that promise to “help you understand the code.”

It sounds crazy, but that’s how the market works: where there is fear or hope, a product is born.

Business psychology.

Entrepreneurs would be divided into two camps.

Those who would say “all is vain” and those who would say “great, let’s take advantage of the new framework.”

The latter would dominate.

But the most interesting thing is this.

If we are living in a simulation, then the economy is already part of the “script.” So the revelation wouldn’t change reality — just the way we perceive it.

And perception is 90% of economic behaviour.

Do you think such a revelation would make us more creative or more destructive?

Very difficult question. Probably most people would take it negatively. That they knew nothing all their lives. That they didn’t discern it, didn’t seek it. They were misled. Worse, they rested. Maybe this is where entrepreneurs need to innovate. Psychological and social support products, services and more.

Reactions

Most people will not be shocked because “reality is a simulation,” but because they will feel that their lives were built on false assumptions. It is this feeling of deception, naivety, or “blindness” that will hurt the most.

And that’s exactly where the space opens up for ready-to-take-action entrepreneurs — not to exploit fear, but to fill a huge need; to help the world get back on its feet.

Most people would feel that they were “making fun of them”, that they were not in control, that their lives were shorter than they thought, that they didn’t search enough and that they rested in a false normality.

This psychological collapse would be more dangerous than the revelation itself. Infrastructure would be needed to absorb the shock.

Innovation

This is where the interesting part comes in. In such a scenario, the businesses that will survive and thrive are the ones that understand that the world needs psychological stability.

Services that help people rediscover meaning. Think about it…

Support platforms, “communities of meaning”, tools for managing anxiety and existential crisis, or digital spaces for discussion and guidance.

Don’t underestimate social cohesion.

We could witness products and services that enhance the sense of community, trust, interaction and the feeling that “we are not alone.”

New narratives would surface after a big pause.

Man needs stories to stand.

Businesses could offer educational content and information products to help people understand the new reality, “frameworks of meaning”, as well as new philosophical and scientific approaches.

On top of that, adaptation technologies could be a major development here.

If they believe they are living in a simulation, they will want to use “system understanding” tools, self-improvement technologies, or apps that promise to “help you see behind the veil.”

Even if there is no real “veil”, the need will exist.

In times of panic

In such cases, humans look for stability, guidance, meaning and someone who doesn’t lose their mind.

Entrepreneurs who can stand with a clear mind will become the “architects of the new normal.”

Not because they will have all the answers, but because they will be able to offer a helping hand when everything around them seems unpredictable.

Deeper…

If you think about it, revealing the simulation won’t create new needs. It will reveal old ones that have always existed.

The need for meaning, safety, community and direction.

It will just make them more intense.

Do you believe that businesses should prepare for such scenarios or do you think it’s an exaggeration?

It is wise to be prepared and let it not happen. However, if it does happen, you will not collapse and you will help others. No investments and research are needed. Just preparing yourself for the idea that it is a possible scenario. Without a list of scenarios, entrepreneurs have a hard time making strategic decisions. In general, such a revelation, if the simulation is valid, could appear over time, since changes in other areas, less painful, have preceded it. I do not believe that it could be revealed immediately. It would be painful.

Realistic Scenario

That’s the secret to strategic thinking — not predicting the future, but being mentally prepared for many possible futures.

Such a revelation, if it ever happens, will not come “like lightning.” It will come through a chain of changes, gradual, less painful, that will prepare the ground. Humanity cannot stand abrupt metaphysical truths.

It needs a warm-up.

It would come like scientific anomalies that are not easily explained, technological leaps that seem “too fast”, strange patterns in physics, changes in artificial intelligence that resemble “system behaviour”, or philosophical and social shifts that make the world more receptive to the idea.

Only when society has already “softened up,” could the great truth be revealed without everything falling apart.

Why entrepreneurs should have a scenario list.

Without scenarios, there is no strategy.

Most entrepreneurs operate on a “what I see in front of me” basis.

The few who think in terms of “what could happen” are the ones who survive.

A list of scenarios doesn’t require money, research, or huge teams.

It needs clear mind, imagination and the ability not to be afraid of the unknown.

This is what separates the calm person from the panicked one.

How would businesses help in such a transition?

If the disclosure happens gradually, then businesses can act as a “cushion” for society. Not with technologies, but with thought patterns.

They could offer psychological stability services so people don’t feel lost.

Educational tools that explain the changes in simple language.

Communities that give the feeling that “you are not alone.”

New narratives that help people rebuild meaning.

Strategic guidance for businesses that will panic.

And most importantly, they would function as stable poles within a fluid reality.

The essence.

An immediate revelation would be painful.

So, if it is going to happen, it will happen slowly, as if the system itself is “preparing us.”

Is this the reason why the movie “Matrix” was projected?

Those who have already done the inner work, will be the ones who will keep the others standing.

A Message For Consumers & Businesses

Consumers…

Live your daily life with full awareness. Enjoy what you have, invest in your relationships, in your knowledge, in your health. The world may change, but your personal stability is built from small, conscious choices. Stay open to new ideas, developments and scenarios — not out of fear, but out of curiosity and maturity.

Business owners…

Keep your eyes on the future without losing your footing. Stability is built on preparation, not panic. Consider scenarios, study trends, gain a deeper understanding of people’s needs. The real strength of a business is not prediction, but adaptability. The more open you are to possibilities, the more prepared you will be for whatever comes.

Life — whether it’s a simulation or not — requires two things.

To live the present with a clear mind and look to the future without fear.

Anyone who does this, person or business, is never truly caught by surprise.