Philip Rosedale has always been fascinated by the ability of computers to connect people from around the world. Virtual reality takes that promise to another level: Very soon, we will be able to meet one another, travel, conduct business, and play in completely immersive virtual worlds.

Rosedale predicts that everyone in the world could have a VR device in the next seven to 10 years, and anticipates a future where we spend most of our waking time in these virtual spaces. The benefits are easy to imagine: Age-old annoyances like business travel will be eliminated, and the next generation of children will be exposed to incredibly immersive learning experiences, opportunities to easily connect with peers around the world, and next-level entertainment. This progression will also challenge our definition of reality and will invite new questions about what exactly is “real.”