If you’ve been tuned into the discourse surrounding the future of the internet, or the evolving tools for online interaction, you may have come across the term ‘metaverse’ being used to describe a vaguely-referenced idea that seems somewhat futuristic, yet very present. It is difficult to predict what the metaverse will look like, partly because it is a work-in-progress. Perhaps the simplest way to define the metaverse is as a more immersive version of the internet. Whether that description excites you or makes you wary, one thing is for certain—the metaverse is here, and even if we choose not to take part in it, we are most certainly witnessing its arrival.
The metaverse may be considered the next generation of the internet, but it may not manifest in our lives the way the internet did in its early days—gradually morphing from a facility into a necessity. Rather, it will probably be easier to access and assimilate in our digital lives, and some say the shift has already begun. The adoption of the metaverse does not mandate that current technologies will inevitably become obsolete, but it is more than a simple acceptance of new technologies and tools into our daily routine. Virtual reality games, for instance, require headsets—but gamers will also want to enhance their user experience and make it more life-like by having digital clothes, digital homes, and digital friends within the universe of the game. This creates an endless need among consumers and more commercial opportunities for tech companies.
With Big Tech corporations introducing multisensory tools like virtual reality, augmented reality, wearables, blockchain technologies, etc. to enhance the user experience for online shopping, gaming, education, business meetings, communication, fitness, and more, we have already been introduced to the metaverse. The aim is to expand the virtual world and allow people across the world to connect in more engaging ways, at a larger scale. Tech giants like Microsoft, Google, and Apple are already developing tools that will usher in the new era of the internet. When Facebook Inc. changed its name to Meta, the move was signalled a future vision for the internet, which in turn raised several concerns given the company’s controversial handling of user data and insufficient platform monitoring.
One of the biggest concerns about the creation of the metaverse is that it will pose a further threat to users’ privacy, and generate more opportunities for companies to sell users’ behavioural data for profit. The lack of regulations on user interaction in virtual environments also poses a significant challenge for safety, both online and offline. Additionally, the sensory stimulation promised by the metaverse can lead to exploitation. There have also been instances of scams with an encrypted electronic currency that is often used in games. Another criticism arises from the fact that since these technologies are expensive and require internet access, the possible benefits of interaction in the metaverse will be inaccessible to those who are on the other side of the digital divide. As we find new ways to reconcile human interaction with virtual reality, self-regulation by tech platforms and cross-border systems for the protection of the global community must take precedence over the possibilities for commercial gain, which can often leave internet users vulnerable.
