Recently, Meta Platforms, Inc.—formerly Facebook, Inc.—unveiled its plans for the Metaverse, which is a more immersive version of virtual reality (VR) that will merge the real and digital worlds.
In the Metaverse, people can be anyone they desire via VR software such as the Oculus headset or augmented reality glasses. Users will be portrayed through a customizable avatar, allowing them to alter the perception of themselves. Experts perceive this as an appealing factor to the public, prompting them to claim that it may be the successor of the modern internet.
Mark Zuckerberg, the brain behind the Metaverse, explained how this idea will outlive the internet, saying, “You’ll be able to do almost anything you can imagine, get together with friends and family, work, learn, play, shop, create, as well as entirely new categories that don’t really fit how we think about computers or phones today.”
In addition, he described the key quality of this world as the “feeling of presence” it can provide. Users can socialize with family, friends and colleagues no matter how far apart in the physical world. People can discern facial expressions, body language and other communicative signals that are not captured through screens.
Although his description is broad, Zuckerberg continued, stating that the Metaverse is still developing but emphasized that he believes it is the future of technology.
Other companies have joined in the Metaverse craze. Last year, “Fortnite” and Travis Scott offered people a glimpse into this virtual world with over 12 million people attending their VR concert.
In addition, Nike is working toward creating virtual sneakers and other apparel that avatars can wear for purchase. The brand filed a trademark for various virtual goods in preparation.
Although many applaud these companies for their innovation, others warn that it poses serious threats to society.
The concept of the Metaverse derives from science fiction, as pop culture traditionally portrays it negatively. Television shows such as “Black Mirror” and “Westworld” highlight the destructive effects of a mixed reality.
These shows prove there will be a need for policing in the Metaverse, especially as mass amounts of data pour into the system, which serves as a privacy threat to users. Currently, with multiple companies in pursuit of establishing themselves in this virtual world, it is unknown who will collect and control user information.
In addition, this world opens the door for a new era of cybercrime. Avatars may fall victim to hacking. Not only could this cause a data breach, but it may also create confrontation amongst strangers in the Metaverse. The platform is attractive to criminals due to the lack of regulation, leading to difficulty for victims to pursue legal action.
It is dangerous for a single company to moderate this digital world. The fusing of the Metaverse with the physical world could make reality indistinguishable, forever altering society. If Meta continues to expand their idea, they could eventually manipulate and control one’s entire life—therefore, eliminating the right to privacy.
With the Metaverse still in its first stages of creation, it is unknown if it will truly overtake the internet. However, it highlights that the proliferation of technology may serve as a threat to the traditional world.
