It’s all fun and games when Dynamica Inc. develops an implantable chip that feeds virtual reality streams right into your brain — until the government makes the chips mandatory.

If you thought people were addicted to their games and their phones now, wait until you meet Dynamica Inc. They have developed virtual reality that goes beyond goggles. This VR is fed directly into your nervous system through a chip that’s implanted in your neck. You not only see the vista of your dreams, you get all the sensations that go along with it. You can feel, taste, touch, and smell this VR. So if your “feed” is a fine dining experience, you can look around and see the luxe decor of the restaurant, you can taste and smell the food, all while you are sacked out on your couch.

The outside world has changed tremendously, and not for the better. People don’t go outside. The roads are deserted. Stores and restaurants are closing in droves – why go out and spend money in a restaurant when you can dial up a “feed” that is beyond what any local diner could provide.

Even worse, the feeds provide emotions to go with the experiences. No need to be anxious when you can dial up a little Stoner Chill feed and relax. The feeds tell you how to feel and people sign up in droves.

But things can always get worse. The government and Dynamica team up to make the chips mandatory. Everyone will be required to be implanted with a chip right after birth. Instead of parenting, mom and dad can simply send a Sleep Through the Night feed to their infant. And just think about what the government could do with something like this.

This is really a pretty good premise, and most of the book is pretty interesting. I thought the ending was a little too pat and wrapped up a little too neatly, but that’s not a huge concern. It was still entertaining…and maybe just a little disturbing.

My copy of The Nirvana Effect came from my Kindle library.