# “Playing God”: How the metaverse will challenge our very notion of free will

## Overview

**Authors:** Louis Rosenberg

**Publication Date:** 25 October 2025

**Link:** <https://bigthink.com/the-future/playing-god-metaverse-mind-control-free-will/>

**Keywords:** decision-making manipulation, ethical AI, cognitive liberty, autonomy risks, persuasive design, digital psychology, online free will, behavioral tracking, neuroethics, human-AI interaction

**Type:** Peer-Reviewed Journals/White Papers

## Summary

The article discusses ethical concerns surrounding the potential for advanced AI systems in the metaverse to manipulate users' decision-making processes, challenging notions of autonomy and free will.