An AI-generated model named Sam shows what humans might look like by 2050 if sedentary habits continue — featuring sunken eyes, dull skin, and tech neck. Created by WeWard to raise awareness of inactivity’s shocking long-term health effects.
In a world where convenience reigns supreme, scientists are warning that our increasingly sedentary lifestyles could have shocking consequences for our health and appearance. To bring this message to life—quite literally—a team from walking app WeWard has unveiled “Sam,” a disturbing AI-generated model showing what the average inactive human might look like by 2050.
Sam isn’t a pretty sight. With sunken eyes, thinning hair, swollen feet, dull skin, and a pronounced “tech neck,” he paints a grim picture of what life spent sitting, scrolling, and streaming could do to the human body. According to WeWard, Sam is a chilling reminder that choosing convenience over movement comes at a steep physical price.
“If you’re looking for something frightening this Halloween, look no further than what could be our future if we continue to place convenience over daily movement,” WeWard said in its blog post.
Created using AI and medical research, Sam reflects decades of scientific data on the harmful effects of inactivity, excessive screen time, and poor posture. The app’s researchers even applied the same projection to celebrities like Brad Pitt, Oprah Winfrey, Meryl Streep, and Lionel Messi, transforming them into sluggish, slouched versions of themselves — a striking contrast to their real-world vitality.
The Hidden Costs of Inactivity
When the body is inactive, metabolism slows and calories burn less efficiently, leading to weight gain, obesity, and heart disease. Sitting for long hours also restricts blood flow, which can cause swollen ankles, varicose veins, and even increase the risk of blood clots.
Poor posture, commonly known as “tech neck,” occurs when people lean over devices for extended periods, resulting in chronic back and shoulder pain. Over time, this also affects spinal alignment and breathing capacity.
Sedentary habits take a toll on the skin and eyes, too — with reduced circulation leading to dull complexions, dark circles, eczema flare-ups, and digital eye strain caused by endless screen exposure. Meanwhile, chronic stress and poor nutrition can contribute to hair thinning and premature aging.
A Wake-Up Call for the Future
WeWard hopes that Sam serves as a much-needed visual wake-up call. A future of inactivity, it warns, won’t just affect how we look — it could redefine how we live. The message is simple: take a walk, stretch, and step away from the screen before the future catches up.