Longusions

Longusions are a hypothetical concept within certain speculative fiction narratives, particularly those exploring advanced artificial intelligence and consciousness transfer. The term itself is a portmanteau, blending "long" with "usions," suggesting a prolonged or extended period of integration or existence. In these fictional contexts, a longusion typically refers to a process where a digital consciousness or a significant portion of a biological mind is preserved and maintained indefinitely within a computational substrate.

The core idea behind a longusion is the preservation of identity and experience beyond the limitations of a biological lifespan. This could involve uploading a person's mind to a computer, creating a digital twin, or merging a consciousness with a networked artificial intelligence. The longusion is often depicted as a state of continued awareness and interaction, though the nature of this existence can vary greatly depending on the specific story. Some narratives explore the philosophical implications of such an extended existence, questioning whether a digital copy is truly the same person or if it represents a new form of life. Others focus on the technical challenges and potential pitfalls of maintaining such a state, including data degradation, the risk of digital erasure, or the psychological effects of an unending existence. The concept remains firmly within the realm of science fiction, serving as a tool for exploring themes of mortality, identity, and the future of consciousness.