1. Many people like having a pet. They can be emotionally and psychologically useful, relieving stress and giving people something to look after. Do you think a virtual pet would serve the same purpose? Could virtual pets replace a cat or dog as the family pet?
2. If you accept a virtual pet, why not have a virtual partner in place of a human one? Explain whether you consider that there are limits beyond which the use of virtual reality becomes an inadequate or even dangerous substitute for the real thing?
3. Discuss how pets can be emotionally and psychologically useful. Why don't pet owners give their time and attention to other human beings instead of to animals?
