First of all, what the heck is a metaverse (or is it the metaverse?)? And why do I need to know about it? Once I start explaining it, you’ll understand a little better and maybe even realize that you’re soaking in it right now! During the pandemic, we all moved into virtual reality, at least a little bit. Except for a few people who didn’t want to give up their tin foil hats, that is. I’m joking about the tin foil hats.
First, how about a definition?
“The metaverse (a portmanteau of “meta-” and “universe”) is a hypothesized iteration of the internet, supporting persistent online 3-D virtual environment through conventional personal computing, as well as virtual and augmented reality headsets. Metaverses, in some limited form, are already present on platforms like VRChat or video games like Second Life.~ Wikipedia
Virtual reality has become a way of life for many
With the pandemic, gaming online has taken on a whole different meaning. Since it often wasn’t safe to meet face to face, people and especially kids moved online. It’s a space parallel to the real world where people can meet, talk, and play. I’m italicizing real world because to many, virtual reality is just as real as the physical world. For kids, moving online and into the virtual world isn’t even something they need to think about. They’re already there. Beyond just being online, though, the metaverse is 3D, mostly through headsets, as set out in the Wiki definition above.
How much do you need to know about the Metaverse? Image by Evgeni Tcherkasski from Pixabay
Collaboration is key in the metaverse
In the metaverse, social interaction and collaboration are the new currencies. If we, as social media managers, wanted people to be more social, in the metaverse, you almost wouldn’t survive without being social. There’s still the chance to lurk, as there is on social media platforms, but for real success, you must work with others. I find it similar to online groups where you might have joined initially to learn something or to move forward with a hobby. But after awhile, you might stay on the platform because you enjoy talking with the people online, so you stay. By the way, I’ve talked about social media managers and some fake holidays they might like. You might like it, too!
Mark Zuckerberg’s branding of the Facebook environment
While I don’t always agree with Facebook’s handling of anything these days, using the term meta was a stroke of genius. Whoever came up with the concept of using meta as an umbrella term for the Facebook and Instagram arenas, knew what they were doing. Since the meta umbrella term for Facebook/Instagram, everyone’s interest in the metaverse has become keener.
A few downsides to the Metaverse
On the other hand, there are also some negatives to big tech and the metaverse, as outlined in this New York Times article: Everybody Into the Metaverse! Virtual Reality Beckons Big Tech. For one thing, the headsets are cumbersome and sometimes make people dizzy or sick. And who remembers the big failure of Google Glass? Also, in many parts of the world (the parts where there is money to be made selling lots of ads), privacy concerns could keep the momentum of the metaverse from moving forward.
How wild; I was just thinking about Google Glass a few days ago, wondering what happened to it. lol
Before I knew what meta was, I’ll admit to being a bit worried about it. Then I remembered before you mentioned it above that, in essence, that’s what Second Life was, though I never participated in it. I also know someone on YouTube who’s embracing the meta world right now. Sorry, but I have enough trouble embracing the real world without wanting to try the metaverse.
Maybe it’s the right time to resurrect Google Glass, Mitch? I’ve only tried out something in “the metaverse,” but never really soaked in it very long. It was interesting, but not enough to hold my interest for long. As you say, embracing the real world is quite enough! Thank you for stopping by. I appreciate it!