Inspired by studies showing how increased “future self-continuity”—the degree of continuity an individual feels with their future self—can positively influence saving behavior, academic performance, mental health, and subjective quality of life, our interactive, web-based chat platform seeks to similarly help users develop more long-term thinking and behavior by strengthening their relationship with a relatable yet virtual version of their future selves. The conversation with the future self is generated in real-time via a large language model that has been personalized based on a pre-intervention survey assessing user future goals and personal qualities. Have a chat with your future self!

This experience designed primarily for students to envision their 60-70 years old self.

As seen in

Future You is an interactive experience for cultivating self-reflection and long-term thinking

Engage with your virtual self to nurture personal growth and human flourishing

How it works

Future You is a web-based platform that lets you chat with a personalized version of your future self. Our system uses advanced AI to create a realistic conversation partner based on information you provide.

The Research

In our study involving 344 participants revealed that after interacting with their “Future You” character, users experienced reduced anxiety and a stronger connection to their future selves. This research demonstrates how the virtual self can enhance an individual’s sense of future self-continuity and overall wellbeing.


The conversation with the future self is generated in real-time via a large language model that has been personalized based on a pre-intervention survey assessing user future goals and personal qualities. Therefore, its responses are largely dependent on both its foundational model and the data collected in the pre-intervention survey. We recommend being as detailed as possible in the initial survey for the best possible experience.

Future You is an intervention grounded in empirical and theoretical research on the benefits of future self-continuity as it relates to improvements in long-term thinking, academic performance, financial savings, and mental health and wellbeing. The primary goal of this project is to support reflection on future paths. Read more about our research in our preprint article, linked here.

We’re currently looking to make the platform more accessible and to collaborate with institutions to support young people in envisioning their futures. To learn more about ways you can get involved, contact us here or email us at futureyoumit@gmail.com


Pat Pataranutaporn, MIT

Peggy Yin, Harvard University

Hal Hershfield, UCLA

Pattie Maes, MIT

Kavin Winson, KBTG

Thanawit Prasongpongchai , KBTG

Auttasak Lapapirojn, KBTG

Pichayoot Ouppaphan, KBTG

Monchai Lertsutthiwong, KBTG

This project is supported by KBTG as part of MIT Media Lab Research Consortium

If you feel like sharing your thoughts online, please use the hashtag: #MITFutureYou

Email us at futureyoumit@gmail.com