What on Earth Is the Metaverse, Anyway?

The metaverse is a technical concept that brings together bits and pieces of R&D from the past few decades, current innovations, and the future plans of numerous tech companies. Facebook may have called dibs on the name, but the metaverse doesn't belong to one brand or business at this point in time. Obviously, tech leaders are vying for the chance to control this future concept.

Right now, that's all the metaverse is: a concept. But it's not a completely impossible concept. The idea is that people can work, socialize, and play in a completely virtual world. A world that tears down geographical barriers and helps people explore beyond the limitations of their own physical realities.

Most people have seen this movie or read this book. Multiple fictional versions of worlds like this exist. But Mark Zuckerberg and other tech leaders are looking to make this a reality.

Some people are laughing, and the social media memes are definitely flying. The concept leaves plenty of room for jokes. But others are fearful. How far is too far, and would a fully realized metaverse concept lead to dangerous habits or more intrusive AI?

Proponents of the metaverse concept point to the many positives. Imagine stepping virtually from an office in Vancouver to a boardroom in China. Imagine exploring the Siberian wilderness from a safe suburban home in the panhandle of Florida. These are just a few of the use cases metaverse supporters are touting.

Anyone who has engaged with VR tech, which is available today through popular platforms from brands like Oculus, may shrug it all off. What is the metaverse except a more immersive and advanced version of this?

The reality is that the metaverse, if it does materialize, is likely to be something more. What that might be is still being shaped, but it could completely change communication, work, and even overall lifestyles. So, yes. The metaverse—whatever it becomes—is probably going to be important.