The idea is that the concept expands the entire application of metadata to our daily lives in the physical world. See below, what is Metaverse — which many call the reality of the future — and how this technology could revolutionize the way we consume entertainment content and purchase products effectively. Fusing the virtual and physical worlds on this scale can be very advantageous, but like all technology, it carries its risks.
The metadata universe
Welcome to Metaverse, the place where alternative digital realities interact with people working, having fun and socializing. We might call it the Metaverse — the mirror world, what lies behind the veil of reality — AR Cloud, Magicverse, Space Internet or Live Maps, but one thing is certain, it’s coming and it could be a big deal.
The concept already exists, but the applicability limitations are still great. Taking away all the hype from fans of the Cyberpunk universe, reality may be closer to auxiliary data.
A concept created in science fiction?
All of our technology was once called science fiction, so that definition is correct. Neal Stephenson coined the term “Metaverse” in his 1992 novel Snow Crash, where he referred to a 3D virtual world inhabited by avatars of real people.
Many other science-fiction media include systems like — in some cases, pre- Snow Crash. Despite this, Stephenson’s book remains one of the most common reference points for Metaverse enthusiasts, along with Ernest Cline’s 2011 novel Ready Player One. The Metaverse would be the natural substitute for the internet as we know it.
How will it work in the real world?
Basically, we will have the interaction of data that we research and share on the internet today, within reach of a display — like a pair of glasses, for example — added to our physical vision as we interact with the real world.
If we do a quick Google search, we find some definitions. Wikipedia defines it as a collective shared virtual space, created by the convergence of virtually enhanced physical reality and physically persistent virtual space, including the sum of all virtual worlds, augmented reality, and the Internet.
The word “Metaverse” is a combination of the prefix “meta” (which means beyond) and “universe”; the term is commonly used to describe the concept of future internet interaction, composed of persistent, shared 3D virtual spaces linked to a perceived real and virtual universe.
Economy and consumption
If used well, the technology could allow for better development of consumption behaviours. Imagine, as you walk down the street and pass a retail store, your display — which contains your interest and consumption data — gives an alert, showing that the item of interest is on sale in the specific physical store, you can now enjoy and make your purchase for a better price.
When going out to look for entertainment, passing in front of concert halls, nightclubs, bars, you will already receive information on the number of people present, the show on display, until you purchase a ticket before reaching the entrance queue. Everything would be more practical.
The big problem is: if toxic or criminal behaviours that exist on the current internet, manage to enter this Metaverse, what will we do? The answer doesn’t yet exist but imagine a bunch of banners and pop-ups entering your view while driving, it won’t be interesting or safe. Invasion of black hats — criminal hackers — making false offers or giving wrong indications that cause the victim to lose their data, suffer a scam, or even be taken to a location of the robbery.
The evolution of the Metaverse may be important, but the “reality of the future” cannot move forward without seriously thinking about possible problems, it would be irresponsible.
