I was doing research, and I discovered a New York Times article outlining options for a new concept in online meetings that departs from Zoom and most other online meeting formats.

In these versions — heavily borrowed from gaming technology — YOU (i.e., your cute little avatar) actually “move around” a virtual landscape created by the organizer. While the article focuses on its use for meetings, virtual cocktail parties and hangouts, I could imagine plenty of ways it could get many of us in trouble if adopted elsewhere!

For example, I couldn’t help but wonder if this technology might revolutionize the retail industry! Suppose you could visit any retail mall in the country and shop, not in person or in a computer window, but by avatar?  And imagine if the inventors were able to incorporate virtual reality as well!

Why, I could have my little Carol go in and bop around an online store, try on clothing to her hearts’ content, and come out with perfect picks! Why, I could even give her two sets of proportions – one svelte set for bopping around and a more generous set (where I didn’t transpose a digit) designed so the clothes actually fit when I get them. With so many dressing rooms closed right now causing 93% of of all my purchases to go back, this could be an incredible win everywhere but the wallet!

Alas, shoe shopping might not be so successful. Those sassy stilettos might look great on avatar gams and give your little YOU a saucy strut, but I’m betting even virtual reality can’t quite replicate the dubious joy of having your foot pitched forward at the same angle as the neighbors’ kiddie slide.

And best of all, when those purchases made by your little YOU arrive at your home, and that credit card bill rises like a thermometer on a hot summer day, you get to shirk responsibility, saying,  “Don’t blame me, my Avatar did it!

Originally published in the February 25 issue of Beyond the Nest’s FREE weekly newsletter of Arts, Culture and Recreation for the Greater Rochester region.