Written in 2007, but thought about years before, our vision for a virtual world will lead to the metaverse.
Imagine a realm where you can socialize, trade, work, explore, travel, create, and even cause destruction. Envision the ability to assume any desired identity while engaging in these activities. In this world, you have the power to instantaneously alter your appearance, style, gender, age, and race. Additionally, picture yourself capable of flying, traversing underwater, and teleporting to any location within this realm.
There is no need to imagine anymore. Welcome to the metaverse a term that describes a 3D virtual world.
What is the metaverse?
The metaverse represents a virtual universe, a fully immersive 3D virtual space that encompasses multiple realms. Within these virtual environments, individuals interact with each other (represented by avatars) in a cyber space that serves as a metaphor for the real world, but without its physical limitations. In the metaverse, people can fulfill their dreams. They can become anyone they want and engage in nearly any activity with others who share similar interests.
What makes the metaverse an innovative concept?
The origins of the metaverse can be traced back to 3D computer games, where communities of players formed within the games. It then seemed natural to create 3D worlds that emphasized the social aspect of this interaction. In 1992, the novel “Snow Crash” was published, describing a 3D virtual world. This book became a bestseller and sparked the imaginations of many, paving the way for the creation of virtual societies where avatars could engage in social, economic, educational, and political interactions.
There are several metaverses today (2007), such as Active World, Red Light Center, and There, but the most prevalent one is Second Life. Second Life was launched in late 2006 and currently serves as a home to over nine million avatars who live, interact, and trade within its virtual world. Many significant companies have also established their presence in Second Life, including Victoria University of Wellington and the Dominion Post. Both are from New Zealand.
In Second Life, avatars known as “residents” engage in economic interactions through the buying and selling of virtual properties. Residents also trade goods and services using Linden Dollars (L$), a virtual currency that can be exchanged for real-world currencies, including the US Dollar. Some residents even earn income through this virtual economy, leading to considerations regarding taxation in both the real and virtual worlds.
In terms of education, Second Life offers seminars and conferences, with plans to provide tertiary education for its residents in the future. Residents would pay a fee for these services, which can be paid in Linden Dollars. Additionally, Second Life has implemented rules to establish an organized society and prevent issues such as terrorism, hacking, or identity theft. For example, new members must complete a form that includes detailed personal information, which is verified multiple times.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of metaverses?
On one hand, the metaverse is a free environment where you can be somebody different to yourself. In the real world people judge you by your sex, age, and race, but in a virtual world you can be anybody you desire. A virtual world is also an efficient world because long distances and gravity have no power over you. You can communicate with people all over the world, yet be in the same virtual world. It can unite people from any location on earth and this convenience could even create virtual cultures or communities of like-minded people. Further, the metaverse is an excellent way to develop imagination and new ideas. Think of sci-fi in the 60’s or 70’s, where programmes introduced concepts like cell phones, discs, transporters, etc. What ideas could be used in the metaverse that might lead to real life inventions. It makes you wonder.
On the other hand, similar to the Internet and the real world too, the metaverse can be a platform for harassment, the creation of viruses, or excessive immersion that neglects one’s real life. Think of virtual world terrorism or vandalism, where individuals advocating for a particular cause have damaged a virtual realm to make a point or get attention. Furthermore, individuals may develop an addiction to the virtual world, leading them to withdraw from reality and real-life interactions.
What does the future hold for metaverses?
Metaverses will continue to evolve and become increasingly realistic. It is not difficult to envision a future where avatars closely resemble their real-world counterparts, and activities performed in the virtual world are seamlessly integrated into the real world. Imagine shopping in a virtual store within the metaverse and having your purchases delivered to your physical home. Picture attending a genuine rock concert within a virtual world. Consider the possibility of virtually traveling to different countries. Moreover, imagine the ability to establish your own game, business, or organization within a virtual world and generate income without leaving your physical location.
In conclusion, the future of the virtual world is boundless, and we are merely witnessing the early stages of its development. Countless unimaginable inventions are yet to be created in the near future and beyond.