Modern Life

'Sim City' was my favourite computer game back in the day. Creating a virtual city of power stations, hospitals and roads for the Sim population to inhabit.
I would always built the infrastructure but couldn't seem to attract an actual population.

Fast forward to Playstation's 'Sims 2', where the player controls Sims interactions in certain environments. I'd love to play the Playstation version but have settled for the mobile phone version.

Must say it is a pretty addictive way to spend time! Sims need your help to do everything possible but you can only control their lives inside the house.

Monday to Friday, Sims escape to work, but nothing seems to happen out there. They come home hungry, bored and unwashed.
All their interactions and networking happens in the home. Friends or strangers drop by unexpectedly or by invitation, usually after your Sim has bought a Living Room upgrade or Party Room upgrade.

Sims make friends and fall in love almost instantly after talking for only a few minutes. Next thing you know they are moving in together or married then divorced.
Most "friends" are able to get your Sim a new job. From chef to personal trainer to DJ, your Sim doesn't need a qualification to be employed just increase their skill count around the house and the job is theirs.

Keeping up their energy levels, communication, food intake, washing and toilet requirements is one thing, but they also like to have fun.

To rescue them from boredom there are plenty of at-home toys such as a guitar, arcade game machine, TV or stereo.

We do live in a material world but I wonder if this is an accurate depiction of modern life?

Is the home becoming the centre of existence or are we still relying on real-life interactions out in the community or city to balance our lives?