3 years after turning Facebook into Meta, Mark Zuckerberg's real win is AI
While Meta's metaverse dreams have yet to come true, the company's artificial intelligence efforts are paying off
Facebook (META) began as a digital college yearbook, connecting Harvard students face to face. Three years ago on Monday, Mark Zuckerberg rebranded his social media empire as Meta, betting billions on a future where we’d meet in virtual worlds instead.
#facebook #metaverse #bigtech #technology #markzuckerberg #meta
The Metaverse Has Dimmed: How Meta's Pivot to AI Has Changed the Game
In October 2021, Mark Zuckerberg, the CEO of Meta, stood on stage at the Facebook Connect conference, proclaiming that the metaverse was the next frontier for his company. He envisioned a future where the metaverse would reach a billion people, conduct "hundreds of billions" of dollars worth of commerce, and employ millions – all within the decade. However, three years later, the metaverse has taken a backseat to a new shiny object: artificial intelligence (AI).
Meta has invested over $63 billion in Reality Labs, its division for virtual and augmented reality technology, but the results have been lukewarm. The company's AI research division, led by pioneer Yann LeCun, has been advancing the field, and the pivot to AI has already paid dividends. In July, Meta reported stronger-than-expected sales, crediting AI improvements in ad targeting. The company is now rolling out AI tools to help marketers enhance their listings.
Zuckerberg's public messaging has increasingly focused on the transformative potential of generative AI, and the results are evident. Meta's stock price has almost tripled since last year and is up more than 60% in 2024, hitting an all-time closing high of $595.94 per share earlier this month.
The metaverse, once touted as the future of the Internet, has dimmed in comparison. Global shipments of VR and AR headsets have sunk roughly 28% since last September, with growth expected in 2025. However, Meta's Ray-Ban smart glasses have found success, with more than 730,000 units sold in their first three quarters. The company's recent triumph with Ray-Ban smart glasses has paved the way for an even more ambitious project: Orion. This cutting-edge eyewear prototype showcases how AI could power next-generation augmented reality, with features like real-time 3D mapping and advanced scene understanding.
But not everyone is convinced that the pivot to AI is a sustainable strategy. Gene Munster, a managing partner at Deep water Management, notes that the company's "drunken sailor" spending on metaverse projects may not be sustainable alongside the growing costs of generative AI development. While Meta doesn't need to completely abandon Reality Labs, Munster says the next couple of years are crucial: Either the hardware needs to advance enough to prove the opportunity is real, or the spending needs to be redirected.
The future of the internet is indeed 3D, but it's not just about VR headsets and virtual worlds. Meta's vision is about the evolution of the internet itself into a 3D medium spanning virtual reality, augmented reality, and traditional screens. As Matthew Ball, an entrepreneur and author of "The Metaverse: And How It Will Revolutionize Everything," notes, "The metaverse is not limited to and does not even require virtual reality. Most people NOW believe we will use no term to describe it whatsoever – we'll just call it the 3D internet."
However, some critics argue that Meta's pivot to AI is just a new shiny diversion, rather than a genuine attempt to address the company's past mistakes. Sara M. Watson, a technology critic and independent industry analyst, notes that the company's aggressive competition to build cutting-edge AI is reminiscent of its "move fast and break things" approach that led to congressional mea culpas and the name change from Facebook to Meta.
As Meta continues to invest in AI, it's clear that the company is building a new ecosystem that could entrench its power. If Llama becomes the go-to infrastructure for AI tools, that would give Zuckerberg the same kind of control over generative AI that he once held over social networking. As Watson notes, "You build a thing that everyone needs, and they build on top of that. Then you become essential no matter how you decide to monetize."
In the end, the metaverse may have dimmed, but the future of the internet is still being shaped by Meta's pivot to AI. Whether this new direction will prove sustainable or just another diversion remains to be seen.
Article
The Evolution of Meta: From Facebook to the Metaverse
In 2004, Mark Zuckerberg launched Facebook from his college dorm, and no one could have predicted how big it would become. It started as a simple platform for Harvard students to connect, but it quickly grew into one of the biggest social networks in the world. Over the years, Facebook expanded by buying other popular apps like Instagram and WhatsApp. Then in 2021, it made a big change: it rebranded as Meta. This new name reflected the company’s ambition to go beyond social media and dive into the future of the digital world the metaverse.
This article will explore how Meta grew from Facebook and how it’s working to bring the metaverse to life.
#meta #metaverse #facebook #technology #mixedreality
Facebook: A Social Revolution
Before becoming Meta, Facebook changed the way we communicate online. It allowed people to stay in touch, share moments, and connect with others around the world. Facebook became more than just a place to talk to friends it became a tool for businesses, brands, and communities to reach people globally.
But as Facebook grew, it faced challenges. There were concerns about privacy, fake news, and political issues. Despite these problems, Facebook continued to dominate social media, especially after it bought Instagram in 2012 and WhatsApp in 2014.
Facebook: A Social Revolution
Before becoming Meta, Facebook changed the way we communicate online. It allowed people to stay in touch, share moments, and connect with others around the world. Facebook became more than just a place to talk to friends it became a tool for businesses, brands, and communities to reach people globally.
But as Facebook grew, it faced challenges. There were concerns about privacy, fake news, and political issues. Despite these problems, Facebook continued to dominate social media, especially after it bought Instagram in 2012 and WhatsApp in 2014.
The Move to Virtual Reality: Buying Oculus
In 2014, Facebook made a big move that signaled its future direction it bought Oculus, a company that specialized in virtual reality (VR). With Oculus, users could step into immersive digital worlds using VR headsets. At the time, VR was mostly popular with gamers, but Zuckerberg saw its potential to change how we interact with technology and each other. This was the start of Facebook’s shift toward what would later become the metaverse.
Why the Switch to Meta?
In October 2021, Facebook officially changed its name to Meta. But why? There were a few reasons:
Slowing Growth: By 2021, Facebook wasn’t growing as fast as it used to, especially with younger people who preferred apps like TikTok and Snapchat.
Negative Image: Over the years, Facebook became linked to scandals like data privacy issues and the spread of fake news. By rebranding to Meta, the company aimed to move past these problems and start fresh.
A New Vision: Zuckerberg and his team had a new goal: the metaverse. This is a virtual world where people could socialize, work, play, and shop all in a shared digital space. The name “Meta” symbolized this shift from being just a social media platform to something much bigger.
What Is the Metaverse?
The metaverse is a digital universe where people can interact with each other and virtual environments in real time. Think of it as a 3D version of the internet, where you could do things like attend meetings, play games, or shop, all while being fully immersed in a digital world.
Meta’s goal is to create a metaverse that blends virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), and social media, allowing people to do everyday things in a shared virtual space. While the idea sounds futuristic, it’s still in the early stages of development.
Other companies like Microsoft and Google are also working on their own versions of the metaverse, making it a competitive race to see who can build it first.
Meta’s Metaverse Vision
To build the metaverse, Meta is focusing on a few key areas:
Horizon Worlds: This is Meta’s main virtual reality platform, where users can create and explore digital environments, interact with others, and experience a taste of what the metaverse could look like.
Oculus VR Headsets: These headsets, now called Meta Quest, are a key part of the metaverse experience. They allow users to step into 3D environments and explore virtual worlds.
Avatars: Meta is working on customizable avatars that represent users in the metaverse, allowing people to express their personalities and interact in virtual spaces.
Augmented Reality (AR): AR blends the digital world with the real world. Meta’s AR glasses, which are still being developed, will let users experience digital content overlaid on their physical surroundings.
Challenges Meta Faces
While the idea of the metaverse is exciting, Meta has a lot of hurdles to overcome:
Privacy Concerns: Meta has faced criticism over its handling of user data in the past, and the metaverse raises new concerns about how people’s personal information will be protected in this new digital space.
Tech Limitations: The technology needed for the metaverse, like VR headsets and fast internet, is still expensive and not available to everyone. Creating a fully connected virtual universe will require advances in hardware and infrastructure.
Competitors: Meta isn’t the only company working on the metaverse. Other tech giants like Microsoft and Google are developing their own versions, which means Meta has tough competition.
What’s Next for Meta and the Metaverse?
Meta is betting big on the future of the metaverse, pouring billions of dollars into developing this digital world. Whether or not the metaverse will become as popular as social media is today, one thing is clear: Meta is no longer just about connecting people online. It’s aiming to transform how we live, work, and play in the digital world.
Will the metaverse be the next big thing, or will it just be another tech experiment? Only time will tell, but Meta’s transformation from Facebook to a company building digital universes marks a major shift in its history and in the tech industry.
Exploring the Metaverse: A Deep Dive into Virtual Reality Social Platforms
Introduction:
In the ever-evolving landscape of technology, the concept of the Metaverse has taken center stage, promising a new dimension to our digital interactions. At the intersection of virtual reality and social connectivity, Virtual Reality Social Platforms are emerging as the gateway to this immersive digital universe. In this deep dive, we’ll unravel the layers of the Metaverse, examining the impact of Virtual Reality Social Platforms on the way we connect, communicate, and socialize in the digital realm.
#vr #meta #technology #metaverse #vr
The Essence of the Metaverse:
Defining the Metaverse:
The term “Metaverse” refers to a collective virtual shared space, merging augmented reality, virtual reality, and the internet. It transcends the boundaries of traditional online spaces, offering users a dynamic, immersive, and interconnected digital experience. Virtual Reality Social Platforms serve as the portals to this expansive Metaverse, redefining how we engage with others in a digital environment.
Beyond Virtual Reality:
The Social Aspect:
While Virtual Reality is the driving force behind these platforms, the focus is not solely on the technology itself. Virtual Reality Social Platforms emphasize the social aspect, aiming to recreate and enhance the nuances of real-world interactions. From attending virtual events to collaborating on projects, these platforms seek to replicate the richness of face-to-face communication within a digital space.
The Rise of Virtual Reality Social Platforms:
Virtual Gatherings: Events in the Digital Realm:
The emergence of Virtual Reality Social Platforms marks a paradigm shift in the way we attend events. From virtual conferences and concerts to immersive meetups, these platforms enable users to gather in shared virtual spaces, transcending geographical barriers. Attending an event no longer requires physical presence; instead, users can don their VR headsets and immerse themselves in a collective digital experience.
Collaborative Workspaces:
Redefining Remote Collaboration:
In the era of remote work, Virtual Reality Social Platforms are transforming how teams collaborate. Virtual offices, meeting rooms, and collaborative workspaces enable professionals to engage in a shared virtual environment, fostering a sense of presence and collaboration. The spatial aspect of these platforms adds a layer of realism, making virtual meetings more engaging and productive.
Key Features of Virtual Reality Social Platforms:
Avatars: The Digital Reflection
In Virtual Reality Social Platforms, users navigate the digital space through avatars – digital representations of themselves. These avatars can be customized to reflect users’ personalities, allowing for self-expression in the virtual realm. This digital embodiment adds a personal touch to interactions, making them more immersive and engaging.
Real-time Communication:
Breaking Barriers:
Virtual Reality Social Platforms prioritize real-time communication, breaking down the barriers of traditional messaging. Through spatial audio and expressive gestures, users can engage in natural conversations, replicating the dynamics of face-to-face communication. This emphasis on real-time interaction enhances the sense of presence and connectivity within the digital space.
Content Creation and Sharing:
A Creative Playground:
Beyond communication, Virtual Reality Social Platforms serve as creative playgrounds. Users can create, share, and interact with user-generated content in the form of virtual art, environments, and experiences. This collaborative aspect adds a layer of richness to the Metaverse, allowing users to contribute to the evolving digital landscape.
Social Challenges and Ethical Considerations:
Digital Identity and Privacy:
While Virtual Reality Social Platforms offer a new frontier for social interactions, they also raise concerns about digital identity and privacy. Users navigate the digital realm through avatars, prompting questions about the security of personal data and the potential for identity-related issues. Striking a balance between social engagement and safeguarding user privacy is a crucial consideration in the development of these platforms.
The Future of Virtual Reality Social Platforms:
Integration with Augmented Reality:
As technology advances, the integration of Augmented Reality (AR) into Virtual Reality Social Platforms is a promising avenue. This combination can enhance the blending of virtual and real-world elements, creating a seamless and interconnected digital experience. The evolution towards Mixed Reality further expands the possibilities for immersive social interactions.
Enhanced Interactivity through AI:
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is poised to play a pivotal role in enhancing interactivity within Virtual Reality Social Platforms. AI algorithms can analyze user behavior, adapt to preferences, and create dynamic, personalized experiences. This level of responsiveness contributes to a more engaging and immersive social environment within the Metaverse.
Expanded Use Cases:
Beyond Socializing:
The future of Virtual Reality Social Platforms extends beyond socializing. These platforms are likely to find applications in education, healthcare, and various professional fields. Virtual classrooms, collaborative medical simulations, and virtual conferences are just glimpses of the diverse use cases that could redefine how we learn, work, and collaborate in the digital age.
SEO Optimization:
Navigating the Digital Landscape:
As we explore the Metaverse and its impact on Virtual Reality Social Platforms, it’s essential to consider the role of Search Engine Optimization (SEO). These platforms, being digital spaces, can benefit from SEO strategies to enhance visibility and accessibility. Utilizing relevant keywords, creating engaging content, and optimizing for search algorithms can ensure that Virtual Reality Social Platforms reach a wider audience in the vast digital landscape.
Conclusion:
Virtual Reality Social Platforms are at the forefront of reshaping our digital interactions within the expansive Metaverse. From virtual gatherings and collaborative workspaces to the creative expression through avatars, these platforms offer a glimpse into the future of social connectivity. As technology continues to advance, ethical considerations and inclusivity will be pivotal in ensuring that the Metaverse remains a vibrant and accessible digital frontier for users worldwide. The journey into the Metaverse has just begun, and the possibilities for immersive social experiences are boundless in the ever-evolving realm of Virtual Reality Social Platforms.
Article
What Is the Metaverse, Exactly?
#metaverse #technology #mixedreality #internet
The Metaverse: A Virtual World Coming to Life
For decades, humans have been fascinated by the idea of a digital, all-consuming, and futuristic realm. From the 1990s novel Snow Crash to the 2010s novel and movie Ready Player One, this concept has been referred to by various names, including the Metaverse, the Matrix, and OASIS. Now, in the 2020s, the term Metaverse is back, and it's feeling more real than ever. But what is the Metaverse, exactly? And how does it differ from virtual reality (VR)?
Defining the Metaverse
According to Chris Madsen, senior engineer for Engage, a professional virtual reality and augmented reality (AR) platform, the Metaverse can be thought of as the "universe" of the virtual world. It's founded on the Internet but is much more expansive, not owned by a single country or corporation. Think of it as the internet's next evolution, where everything that exists in the real world can be found and experienced in a virtual environment. The Metaverse is a vast, interconnected Network of virtual worlds, allowing users to explore, interact, and create their own experiences.
The Evolution of the Metaverse
The Metaverse is currently in its early stages, similar to the early days of the internet in the 1990s. websites were limited, and the technology was still developing. However, the Metaverse is evolving faster than ever, with advancements in VR, AR, and other technologies. The Metaverse is being shaped by the convergence of various technologies, including blockchain, artificial intelligence, and cloud computing. As these technologies continue to advance, the Metaverse will become more immersive, interactive, and accessible.
What is Virtual Reality (VR)?
Virtual Reality (VR) is a technology that creates an immersive, simulated environment that can be experienced and interacted with in a seemingly real or physical way. VR is a key component of the Metaverse, allowing users to enter and engage with virtual worlds. VR headsets, such as Oculus and Vive, are popular examples of VR technology. VR provides a way for users to experience the Metaverse, but it's just one tool among many that will be used to explore and interact within the virtual world.
Key Differences between the Metaverse and VR
While the Metaverse and VR are related, they are not the same thing. The Metaverse is a broader concept that encompasses multiple virtual worlds and experiences, whereas VR is a specific technology used to create immersive experiences within those worlds. Think of the Metaverse as the "world" and VR as a "tool" used to explore and interact within that world. The Metaverse is a platform that enables VR, AR, and other technologies to come together and create a seamless, interconnected experience.
The Future of the Metaverse
As the Metaverse continues to evolve, it's expected to change the way we live, work, and interact with each other. With the rise of Web3 and NFTs, the Metaverse is poised to become a major player in the tech industry. The Metaverse has the potential to revolutionize industries such as education, healthcare, and entertainment, and will likely create new opportunities for businesses and individuals alike.
While it may seem like a distant concept, the Metaverse is already here, and its impact will be felt in the years to come.
Conclusion
The Metaverse is a virtual world that's coming to life, and it's more than just a concept. With the help of VR, AR, and other technologies, the Metaverse is evolving faster than ever. Whether you're familiar with the term or not, it's essential to understand what the Metaverse is and how it will shape our future. As the Metaverse continues to grow and develop, it's likely to become an integral part of our daily lives, changing the way we interact with each other and the world around us.
What does metaverse mean?
There’s a reason for the confusion: There isn’t one simple definition of the metaverse, says Madsen. Most people think of it generally as a virtual place where people, companies or other entities can create their own virtual worlds. It’s an “extended reality,” which uses virtual reality and augmented reality to take you out of your real world and into a different, virtual world, Madsen explains.
But the word is currently being used in many different contexts in wildly different ways. For instance, the Forbes technology Council gave it an expansive definition as a Marvel-esque “multiverse of metaverses.”
For his part, Meta/Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg famously defined the metaverse as not a place at aLL, virtual or otherwise, but a time. “One definition of this [the metaverse] is it’s about a time when basically immersive digital worlds become the primary way that we live our lives and spend our time,” he said in a February 2022 interview.
(And don’t be confused: Despite Facebook rebranding in Oct. 2021 to Meta Platforms Inc., or just Meta for short, Meta isn’t the entire metaverse, just like Facebook isn’t the entire Internet.
Remember, “internet” didn’t mean much at first either, and eventually people settled on a universal understanding of the term. Over time the same will happen with metaverse (or whatever term becomes the popular choice), says Shannon.
Gaming
Currently the most popular use of virtual reality, games use the metaverse to create an immersive gaming experience. Computer and console-based games like World of Warcraft and Roblox are creating metaverse games, part of the future of immersive technology.
Shopping
The opportunity to make money via marketing and increased sales is what entices most companies to the metaverse, and it’s where lots of the tech development is currently focused. The goal is to provide a shopping experience even better than you could get in real life. For instance, you might try on clothing using a digital avatar that matches your real-world dimensions, letting you try on multiple dresses for that upcoming wedding without ever leaving home or messing up your hair. Similarly, you can go through a virtual Walmart, selecting items and adding them to your cart in a way that is clearer and faster than either a real-world shopping trip or the current online click-through experience. The physical goods are then delivered to your home.
Companies including Gucci (via The Sandbox), Ralph Lauren and Nike (via Roblox) and Balenciaga and Moncler (via Fortnite, see below) have all dabbled with storefronts in the metaverse. While they aren’t fully functional stores, the goal is to offer both physical goods and digital-only offerings, like NFTs, avatars and virtual clothing.
Job training
From teaching doctors how to perform surgery to the requisite safety trainings for new hires, the metaverse offers an easier and safer way to educate people. Here, you can practice first aid skills, learn complicated machinery and protocols, and take classes at a convenient time and placeand without endangering any real human bodies.
Education
The future of university classrooms lies in the metaverse, where anyone can learn cutting-edge information from the best professors around the world, says Madsen. In January 2022, Stanford University launched “Communication 166/266 Virtual People,” its first class hosted in the metaverse (students participate with Oculus 2 headsets), and other academic institutions are following suit. As of this writing, “metaversities” include Morehouse, Fisk, New Mexico State University, South Dakota State University, Florida A&M University, West Virginia University and the University of Maryland Global Campus.
Working remotely
Think Zoom is convenient? What if you could “appear” in a meeting room to collaborate with your colleagueswithout ever leaving your home (or your pajamas)? Virtual workspaces are cheaper and more accessible, and will eventually become ubiquitous.
Doctor’s appointments
Anything that doesn’t require directly touching the body, from therapy to medication checks, could be done in virtual doctors’ offices.
Travel
Check out museums across the world, hike through rainforests without damaging wildlife or even take part in space tourism via virtual travel portals without having to buy an expensive ticket.
Social activities
Social media goes next level in the metaverse, says Shannon. Not only can you share information, pictures and videos, you can play group games, chat in VR rooms or even go on a date.
Entertainment
In addition to games, the metaverse is perfect for other types of entertainment. For instance, virtual movie theaters provide a much better experience than home TVs provide. Big names including Ariana Grande, The Chainsmokers and Travis Scott have all hosted digital concerts in the metaversewhere people got a much better view than the nosebleed seats they might have had in real life, plus digital extras that made the concerts more immersive. But Madsen’s favorite? Virtual mini golf with friends!
How to access the metaverse
Accessing the Metaverse: A Comprehensive Guide to Hardware and software Requirements
As the metaverse continues to evolve and expand, accessing this virtual world requires a combination of specialized hardware and software. The specific requirements depend on what you want to do, but here's a detailed breakdown of what you need to get started.
Hardware Requirements
To access the metaverse, you'll need a range of hardware devices, including:
Software Requirements
In addition to hardware, you'll need software to access the metaverse. This includes:
The Fragmented Metaverse
Unlike traditional computing, there is no unified metaverse. Instead, each company is developing its own platform, headsets, and technology. Major players in the metaverse include:
Popular Metaverse Platforms
Some of the most popular platforms for accessing the metaverse include:
Augmented Reality and the Future of Accessing the Metaverse
While VR headsets are a key component of the metaverse, augmented reality (AR) is also an important aspect. AR experiences can be accessed through your phone screen and camera, think Snapchat filters or Pokémon Go. In the future, Madsen predicts that accessing the metaverse will be as simple as wearing a pair of eyeglasses. AR technology is expected to play a significant role in the development of the metaverse, allowing users to seamlessly transition between virtual and physical environments.
Conclusion
Accessing the metaverse requires a combination of specialized hardware and software. As the technology continues to evolve, we can expect to see new and innovative ways to access this virtual world. Whether you're interested in VR, AR, or other metaverse experiences, understanding the hardware and software requirements is essential for getting started. With the right hardware and software, you can unlock a world of immersive experiences and endless possibilities.
How does the metaverse work?
The technology underpinning the metaverse is cobbled together from other technologies, including virtual reality, blockchain and Web 3 (along with more mature programming tech that underpins the internet). Blockchain is a way of storing chunks of data in “blocks,” which are linked together into a chain based on relevance. Blockchain databases provide a way to share data while guaranteeing fidelity and security, which is why they are such a critical component of cryptocurrency. Blockchain provides the building blocks for Web 3, the newest iteration of the internet that provides the framework for extended reality. Last, virtual reality builds on these technologies to simulate a real-world experience. Most VR software is based on a “virtual world generator,” which is made using a software development kit from a specific VR headset vendor. This kit provides the basic programs, drivers, data and graphic-rendering libraries.
How to make money in the metaverse
As with most technology, the crucial question is how to monetize the experience. The metaverse offers most of the options available in the real world, plus a few that are only available virtually.
Buying and selling virtual land
Just like people are snapping up land in the real world, investors are buying up digital spaces, including “locations.” Buying virtual real estate requires using virtual currency, aka cryptocurrency, to buy directly from a virtual developer. Currently, the two most popular platforms are The Sandbox and Decentraland, each of which has its own currency (SAND and MANA, respectively).
Trading crypto
You can make money trading cryptocurrencies, similar to how you can make money investing in stocksit requires upfront (real) capital and a high tolerance for risk.
Trading NFTs
Non-fungible tokens are a digital security stored in a blockchain that represents a real asset, usually music, art (especially popular memes), in-game items and videos. Creating, buying and selling NFTs can be a lucrative business if you can predict what will be popular. Keep in mind that NFTs are potentially bad for the environment.
Selling real-world goods virtually
Virtual storefronts for real products are already live for some stores, like the aforementioned Walmart. While there are currently a lot of kinks, the goal is to eventually provide a virtual experience that is better than a real one. Virtual purchases will deliver real goods.
Other ways to make money
New financial opportunities are popping up as the technology evolves. Some possibilities include hosting metaverse events, selling virtual items like digital clothing or hairstyles for avatars, selling metaverse-specific services and trading metaverse tokens.
Examples of the metaverse
The metaverse is already all around you if you know where to look for it. Second Life, the popular computer game that simulates real life, is a natural fit for the metaverse and is quickly gaining popularity. Other games, including those mainly popular with the younger generation, like Fortnite, Minecraft and Roblox, are also big in the virtual sphere; by some estimates, nearly 100 million people log on to these games daily. First-person shooter and quest games become even more realistic and immersive in the metaverse.
Meta Horizons is like Facebook on steroids. The social platform is aiming to be the one-stop shop for digital socializing, communications and living.
It doesn’t have to be that intense though, adds Madsen. Even using a stargazing app or a voice-changing filter on your phone is engaging with the metaverse in a small way. “We all do it a lot more than we realize,” he says. “Anytime you’re using a virtual enhancement in your life, it’s a small part of extended reality or the metaverse.”
Is the metaverse safe?
All the safety concerns that exist about the internet are magnified by virtual realitythe more real the environment, the more real-feeling the scamsalong with some new ones particular to the metaverse, says Madsen.
Privacy
Blockchain technology is built to be a far more secure and private way to share information, but every tech has its flaws. In addition, laws regarding digital privacy rights are in flux, and there are many questions about the legality of data privacy in the metaverse.
Accessibility
Human bodies aren’t equipped on their own to access the metaverse, as it requires hardware, software and knowledgeall of which can be very expensive for individuals to get. In addition, some countries or regions would need to install expensive and complicated infrastructure to enhance data storage and data processing speeds. This could create a volatile system of technological haves and have-nots.
Health
Virtual reality has a powerful effect on the brain’s behavior, and this raises real-world concerns about physical and mental health, says Madsen. There are the obvious risks of physically injuring yourself from tripping or falling, but people are also reporting headaches, vertigo, muscle soreness and vision issues. Plus, people who are immersed in digital worlds often are doing so at the expense of exercising, breathing fresh air and socializing physically.
The more subtle health risks are mental. Because VR provides a much more realistic experience than watching something on a computer screen, the emotional and mental impacts are more intense. Watching a horror movie in VR, say, could cause real trauma, Madsen says. Not to mention that all the downsides of the current internet are magnified in VR, like violent pornography, the black market, sex trafficking and criminal activities.
When will the metaverse come out?
The metaverse already exists in theory and in many practical ways, but expect the technology to explode over the next five to ten years, predicts Madsen. Wearables, like VR headsets, will become comfortable, portable and more powerful. Software will become more realistic, heading toward “fully immersive” experiences.
This technology will have huge impacts on how people work (physical proximity will be a much smaller priority, but people may be required to be on the clock, around the clock), how people play (games won’t be limited by physical constraints like gravity), how people socialize (being present as a hologram at a birthday party would be much better than a video chat) and, most important, how we consume information. If we live in a “post-truth” society now, imagine what it will be like when lies are even more realistic and believable and deepfakes aren’t just 2D.