Understanding the Metaverse
Although the concept of the Metaverse has recently gained popularity, its intellectual roots trace back to nearly 30 years ago. First mentioned in Neal Stephenson’s 1992 cyberpunk novel Snow Crash, this concept has only recently started shaping our contemporary discussions. For those of us who aim to prepare for the future today, understanding this concept is crucial for shaping our vision.
So, What is the Metaverse?
Looking at the origin of the word, “Metaverse” combines “Meta” (beyond) and “Universe.” In terms of definition, we can describe it as a parallel digital world that exists alongside the real world we live in, encompassing everything.
What Can We Do in This World Within a World?
As I write this, my goal is to clarify, even slightly, the topics we will likely discuss more in the future. At this point in my writing, I aim not to limit your imagination but to activate it further. We’ve already seen familiar examples of this during the pandemic with concerts hosted by artists. With the help of virtual reality devices, you can exist in the Metaverse through avatars, communicate with people around you, and transition into different virtual environments. Beyond that, you can attend the cinema, theater, or a museum, shop from wherever you like, and have the products delivered to your real-world address.
It’s Time to Update Your Perception of Reality
This world is the world of tomorrow, part of the future way of living. Viewing the Metaverse as merely a fictional or imaginative realm will limit your mind. Just as we accept the world we live in, we should equally embrace virtual worlds. When we look at the bigger picture, it’s clear that the Metaverse is in its infancy, but as years pass, as access to its technology increases, and as virtual worlds grow stronger within themselves, it will undoubtedly create larger living spaces and economies. Considering it from this perspective, I believe you’ll be able to update your perception of reality more quickly.
What I’ve Learned from the Metaverse
Today’s people no longer view entertainment as just fun; they also see it as a brief mental escape from the real world. This process reminded me once again that people’s outlooks fall into three categories: those stuck in the past, those just trying to get by today, and those trying to design the future. The emergence of a technology alone is not enough. What’s even more important is the accessibility of that technology to its potential users and the speed at which they adopt it. The Metaverse is not yet at the center of our lives. When we look at human history, no technological advancement has taken center stage in a short time. It’s clear that the Metaverse needs time, but given its potential, it absolutely deserves to be discussed, debated, and included in future planning.
