Envisage a world where physical constraints dissolve—a boundless expanse where interactions transcend geographical boundaries; where self expression knows no limits through captivating avatars; and where individuals are immersed in unforgettable sensory journeys. Welcome to the metaverse—the digital frontier that redefines social connections in awe inspiring ways. Yet, before we venture further into this astonishing phenomenon. Let us first unravel its essence: what exactly is the “metaverse”?
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The Meaning of “Metaverse”
It is actually hard to pin the definition of the word “metaverse” since a variety of technologies are involved in its creation. It is actually a compound word formed from the Greek word “meta” which, according to Merriam-Webster, denotes something situated behind or beyond. The latter part of the the word is taken from the word “universe.” Thus, the simple and direct meaning of the word “metaverse” is a “world beyond the universe.”
But admittedly, that is too broad. It is overly encompassing and fails to capture the word’s modern usage and multifaceted applications.
Today’s interpretation portrays the metaverse as an ever present virtual domain accessed via pioneering technologies. Artificial Intelligence (AI) takes center stage in constructing and maintaining immersive digital environments. Moreover. Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR) allow seamless interaction with these otherworldly realms. The deployment of blockchain technology ensures secure transactions involving valuable digital assets like Non Fungible Tokens (NFTs). While cryptocurrency acts as the universal medium of exchange.
This definition of the word “metaverse” suffices for the time being, but expect it to evolve and change or maybe be forgotten altogether and a new term and definition is used as upcoming technologies arrive.
How the Metaverse is Transforming Social Interactions
The metaverse is breaking boundaries of distance and time.
The internet has drastically changed people’s lives since the 1990s. It has broken down walls and has made it possible for people living on opposite sides of the world to talk to each other like they were in the same neighborhood. The metaverse further allows communication to transcend geographical constraints and time zone differences by enabling people across the globe to connect whenever they want, wherever they are.
For instance, imagine living in a small town seldom visited by famous singers and other performing artists. In the metaverse, you can attend virtual concerts from the comfort of your home! You can connect with fans of your favorite singer or band worldwide and share memorable experiences. Think of the metaverse as your VIP pass to events you could not get to before because of distance and other limitations.
The metaverse enables self-expression through customizable avatars.
In the metaverse, you get to customize your avatar the way you want so it actually represents how you see yourself, allowing others to see how unique and special you are. You can even have multiple avatars and change between them as your mood dictates.
One day, you may choose to look like a superhero with six-pack abs and powerful enormous biceps with a cape that shows off your self-designed superhero emblem. The next day you can choose to visit different metaverse realms as a being from another planet with green skin and a sleek and stylish spacesuit. The possibilities for self-expression in the metaverse are endless.
The metaverse enables immersive multi-sensory experiences.
Many, if not most or all gamers, desire fully immersive gaming experiences. They buy curved gaming monitors, earphones with 3D spatial audio capability, and vibrating gaming chairs so they can play their favorite RPG or battle arena game as if they were really in the game itself. With the use of a VR headset like the Meta Quest Pro or an AR headset like the Apple Vision Pro, you get to involve your other senses and be amazed at the realistic interactions possible in the metaverse.
This extraordinary experience is not limited to metaverse gaming alone. It extends to every facet of life, from working in a virtual office and attending classes to exploring vibrant marketplaces where you can admire, purchase, and indulge in a wealth of fascinating wares.
The metaverse fosters collaborative creation and shared experiences.
Collaboration using online tools has become as common as coffee breaks in our day and age. Folks working from home rely on Zoom or Microsoft Teams to connect for virtual pow-wows, while project managers keep tabs on progress using snazzy SaaS platforms like Trello, monday.com, or Wrike. However, the metaverse takes collaboration to a whole new level, like adding rocket fuel to a firework. It brings secure, private, and oh-so-personal interactions, where miscommunication takes a hike and productivity skyrockets. It’s a game-changer, turning teamwork into a symphony of seamless synergy.
Now, picture this: Let’s say you’ve been tasked to come up with an architectural masterpiece for a high value client. But crafting a jaw-dropping design is challenging and you’re beginning to suspect that you’ve bitten more than you can chew. You then enter the metaverse to look for a group of fellow architect fanatics to ask for help.
Fortunately, you discover that there are a lot of such communities and you join one. Your new friends help with the design, citing flaws and suggesting solutions, and by the end of the day, you come up with a design that is undoubtedly and irrefutably a masterpiece thanks to the input of your new friends. What’s great is, you get to construct your design on a metaverse real estate lot you own and get to inspect every nook and cranny of your structure.
You then get to deliver the design and possibly even get to sell that architectural metaverse asset to your client. In this way, the metaverse becomes a vibrant canvas where diverse perspectives mingle, creating something extraordinary that everyone can appreciate. These shared experiences knit us together, forging strong bonds and a sense of belonging in a community driven by a passion that lights our souls on fire. It’s like finding your tribe in a world full of possibilities.
The metaverse levels the social playing field.
Societal judgment and bias is significantly lessened in the metaverse because individuals are valued for their unique ideas, exemplary contributions, and unquestionable character rather than superficial attributes.
Furthermore, did you know that in the metaverse, people with disabilities can navigate virtual spaces with the same ease as anyone else? Through assistive technologies and customizable interfaces, individuals with diverse abilities can fully participate and interact without the limitations they may face in the physical world. The metaverse allows us to redefine societal norms, challenge prejudices, and celebrate our shared humanity.
The metaverse encourages social interactions.
Certain studies reveal how social media engagements have helped multitudes to come out of their shells and express themselves in the marketplace of ideas. What’s more, they not only get to participate in public discussions, they also get to change their minds about contentious issues or persuade others to join their camp all thanks to the liberating freedom that social media platforms offer.
The metaverse extends this freedom to everyone that enters it. The metaverse is the next step in the evolution of social media platforms. This is demonstrated by Facebook’s parent company Facebook, Inc. changing its name to Meta Platforms, Inc. back in 2021 and has began focusing on developing technologies for its upcoming social media metaverse platform.
The metaverse reinvents social events and gatherings
Social gatherings and other events are unlike any other when held in the metaverse. People from all over the world can attend a metaverse gathering without having to worry about travel time and travel expenses. From weddings to marches for specific causes, the metaverse offers everyone a unique opportunity to come together, celebrate, and advocate for what they believe in.
Here’s a metaverse trivia for you. In 2022, a couple form Arizona held the first metaverse wedding in Decentraland. It was reported that there were some hiccups leading to the ceremony but all in all everyone at the event had a blast.
Activism is also possible in the metaverse. Activists can create their metaverse avatars and customize them to wear shirts that proclaim their cause. They can also craft NFT items like placards, banners and other forms of signage that shout out their message. The video below shows how certain groups have launched protest campaigns in the metaverse.
Venturing into the Metaverse
The metaverse is still young and metaverse technologies are still evolving. You may be wondering whether its worth your time or whether the revolutionary benefits cited above are true or would last. But despite your hesitation about its benefits, despite your skepticism of its longevity, I encourage you to go ahead and explore the metaverse for yourself and think about the endless possibilities it makes available to everyone.
Here are a list of Metaverse platforms I recommend you look into:
Let me know what you think about the Metaverse below.