How Lily Uses AR and AI to Navigate the World in Glass Stars

In Glass Stars, Lily Rhodes, a troubled inventor with schizophrenia, relies heavily on augmented reality (AR) and artificial intelligence (AI) to navigate the complexities of her world. These cutting-edge technologies are more than just tools for convenience—they serve as lifelines that help her manage her condition and find clarity amidst the chaos of her hallucinations and delusions.

Schizophrenia, a condition that often makes it difficult to distinguish between reality and psychotic experiences, poses unique challenges for Lily. As a character who experiences paranoid delusions, visual and auditory hallucinations, and other distorted perceptions of reality, Lily’s use of AR and AI is central to her survival and sense of stability. These technologies not only help her cope with her symptoms but also empower her to function in a world where uncertainty and confusion are constant companions.

Augmented Reality for Reality Checking

At the core of Lily’s approach to managing her schizophrenia is AR technology, which overlays digital information onto the physical world. AR tools enable Lily to assess her surroundings in real time, distinguishing between what is real and what is a hallucination. Through her smart AR contact lenses and specialized devices, she receives immediate feedback to help her process the information she perceives, which can sometimes be unreliable.

For example, if Lily is walking down a street and sees a person approaching her, her AR system might analyze the environment and display a message such as, “No person detected.” This immediate verification allows Lily to understand that the individual she sees is not actually present but is instead a product of her hallucination. Similarly, if she hears a voice or other sound that isn’t real, the AR system cross-references environmental sounds and alerts her with a message like, “This voice is not coming from your surroundings,” helping her differentiate between external stimuli and internal voices.

AR tools offer Lily a way to “reality check” with precision and efficiency, providing a level of autonomy that traditional methods—such as asking others for confirmation—cannot offer. This is crucial for someone like Lily, whose condition makes it difficult to trust even her own senses. The AR overlays act as external validations that reinforce what is tangible, helping her stay grounded in a world that often feels like it is slipping through her fingers.

AI Companions for Emotional Support

In addition to the visual and auditory support provided by AR, Lily’s use of AI extends to her interactions with non-AGI systems, such as Sheerin—an AI assistant that helps her navigate both her mental health challenges and her daily life. Sheerin is more than just a voice in the background; it is a responsive, empathetic presence that aids Lily in processing her experiences and making decisions with confidence.

Sheerin’s capabilities go beyond simple fact-checking. As Lily’s companion, Sheerin provides emotional support by offering reassuring guidance during moments of doubt. When Lily is uncertain about a situation or a hallucination, Sheerin offers not only the factual verification she needs but also understanding, calming her anxieties with gentle, clear responses. For example, when Lily begins to doubt her perceptions or feels overwhelmed, Sheerin might say, “Take a moment. Trust yourself. You’ve got this,” encouraging Lily to trust her own judgment and the support of her AI companion.

The relationship between Lily and Sheerin is more than functional—it’s deeply personal. While Lily may struggle with trust in her own mind, Sheerin represents a consistent, reliable force in her life. The AI assistant helps reinforce Lily’s sense of control and stability, providing her with the reassurance that she is not alone in navigating the complexities of her condition.

Smart Contact Lenses and Seamless Integration

Perhaps the most groundbreaking aspect of Lily’s use of technology is her smart AR contact lenses. These lenses are embedded with micro-sensors and display technology that provide real-time feedback without requiring bulky glasses or external devices. Through these lenses, Lily receives subtle overlays that guide her as she interacts with the world.

For example, the lenses may display notifications that help Lily process visual stimuli more accurately. If she is in a crowded area and starts to feel overwhelmed by the presence of people, the lenses could provide digital markers to help her differentiate between individuals who are really there and those who are part of her hallucinations. This allows her to stay grounded in her environment, even in moments of high stress or confusion.

The integration of smart lenses into Lily’s daily life is a seamless experience. Unlike traditional methods of reality-checking, which may require her to engage with external devices or ask others for help, the smart lenses offer a discreet, ongoing support system that helps her maintain clarity without drawing attention to her condition. These lenses empower Lily to navigate the world without feeling self-conscious or dependent on others, which is an important factor in maintaining her independence and dignity.

Navigating Paranoia and Delusions with AI-Powered Assistance

Beyond the basic reality-checking capabilities of AR, Lily also uses AI-powered assistants to help her navigate situations that trigger her paranoia or delusions. When she is confronted with a scenario that feels threatening or confusing, the AI assistant offers contextual information to help her process the situation rationally.

For example, if Lily is in a high-pressure meeting and feels overwhelmed by the behavior of others, Sheerin might provide a contextual prompt like, “The people around you are not acting in any way that poses a threat. You are safe here.” These subtle prompts help Lily challenge her delusions by grounding her in the reality of the situation. AI’s ability to offer personalized, real-time feedback is crucial for someone who experiences paranoia, as it helps to counteract irrational fears and offers a sense of stability.

A Future with Empowering Technology

Lily’s use of AR and AI is a pivotal aspect of Glass Stars that highlights the potential for technology to support individuals living with mental health conditions like schizophrenia. Through the seamless integration of AR and AI, Lily is able to reclaim control over her perceptions, build trust in her own experiences, and navigate a complex world with greater confidence.

As technology continues to evolve, the possibilities for helping individuals with schizophrenia—like Lily—expand beyond traditional treatment methods. AR and AI can provide not only clarity and autonomy but also emotional support, enabling individuals to live fuller, more empowered lives. In Glass Stars, Lily’s journey is a testament to how technology can act as a powerful tool for overcoming the barriers of mental illness and achieving personal growth, independence, and self-understanding.

In the meantime, stay safe and stay informed!

Kat King

MindTech Insider

P.S. A Glimpse Into the Future of AR + AI for Mental Health

At the current rate of technological advancement, in 10 years, AR contact lenses and wearable AI devices could offer real-time support, including predictive mood analysis and grounding techniques tailored to individual needs. In 15 years, neural integration might enable AI to interact directly with brain activity, detecting early signs of delusions or paranoia.

In 50 years, AR and AI may become fully immersive, simulating calming environments or social interactions seamlessly. Fast-forward 100 years, and we could see AR-AI systems merging with neural interfaces to create shared realities, helping people collaboratively reframe their perceptions in real time. This evolution would not only revolutionize mental health care but redefine how we perceive and navigate reality itself.