Non-Destructive Nuclear Button: Risks of Pleasure Optimization in Full-Dive Virtual Reality and an Agency-Preserving Architecture

This paper examines how full-dive virtual reality (FDVR) optimized for pleasure and convenience could weaken human agency and displace real-world life. It describes this risk as the “non-destructive nuclear button”: humanity may remain alive and materially secure while losing the capacity to sustain civilization. The paper proposes nine design principles (P1–P9) that preserve choices and their consequences, support firsthand learning, and sustain the coexistence of real-world and virtual life. It analyzes six failure modes, addresses conflicts among design objectives, and outlines compliance verification through operational AI and independent oracle AI. The aim is to make virtual life a setting for practicing independent judgment while preserving the willingness and ability to live fully in the real world. The paper also proposes using virtual-life records, with users’ consent, for AI learning. Revenue from services and businesses using improved AI can support record dividends based on contributions to AI learning. This conceptual system design uses a hardcore dark fantasy reference world and assumes a future society in which AI and robots perform a substantial share of work, with basic living needs and basic FDVR access socially supported. Keywords: full-dive virtual reality, human agency, firsthand experience, real-world and virtual coexistence, non-destructive nuclear button, AI learning, record dividends, design principles.