In what seems to be the most extreme case of escapism that I can remember in recent history, these cows in Russia are now living in VR. Well not really living in VR, but you get the gist. A Russian farm has started giving their cows virtual reality headsets tonhelp reduce their anxiety. And if that doesn’t scream dystopian future, I don’t know what does.

Th VR systems for the herd were reportedly made for the “structural features of cow heads” and they were shown a “unique summer field simulation program”.

This is all apparently because Moscow’s Ministry of Agriculture cited research that showed a link between a cows emotional experience with how much milk they produced. Initial tests have showed there was a boost in the overall emotional mood of the herd. Whatever that means. How are they measuring this again?

The experienents took place at the RusMoloko farm in MosCOW’s (get it?) Ramensky district according to a statement from the ministry.

I mean, it seems a bit archaic to me. But at the same time, does this not sound even a tad similar to how the plotline to the Matrix was? I mean, they’re literally living in a simulation to keep them subservient to their masters. It’s just a little messed up to me. I’m caught in a moral dilemma on whether I want these cows to live in a serene, happy fake world or face the harsh truth that all they’ll have ever do in this lifetime is produce milk.