The Metaverse as a limitless virtual reality space that could revolutionize various sectors such as technology, gaming, education, and business. Current literature on the Metaverse tends to be narrow, lacking a comprehensive view of its development. To bridge this gap, the paper offers a detailed survey of the Metaverse’s development pipeline, examining its infrastructure, digital environments, and user interactions. It explores the role of enabling technologies like AI and Blockchain in advancing the Metaverse, focusing on decentralization, interoperability, and user engagement. The study also identifies challenges and research opportunities, aiming to provide a deep understanding of the Metaverse for users, academics, and entrepreneurs.
one can infer that the commercialization of virtual spaces may have led to a narrower, profit-driven vision of the Metaverse, overshadowing its broader potentials
The Metaverse, in its ideal form, is envisioned as a transformative, open-ended platform that transcends traditional internet experiences, offering a new paradigm for interaction, creativity, and exploration in a virtual realm. This concept goes beyond mere economic transactions or gaming; it's about crafting an expansive digital existence that mirrors the complexity and richness of the real world. Businesses focusing solely on monetization could limit the growth and accessibility of the Metaverse, hindering its progression into a truly revolutionary digital frontier that is open and beneficial to all. Instead of just a new market or entertainment venue, the Metaverse has the potential to become a comprehensive digital society with its own culture, ethics, and economies, which could redefine human interaction and experience on a global scale.
The Metaverse, as a concept, is not immune to the biases that are inherent in any human-designed system. These biases can manifest in multiple ways, from the technologies chosen to the narratives promoted within these virtual worlds. Our current generation, which has grown increasingly accustomed to computer and PC-based systems, may carry over existing preferences and prejudices into the Metaverse, influencing its development and the way it's experienced.
Cultural anthropology studies how people learn and adapt to the norms and values of their society—a process known as enculturation. The same principle applies to the Metaverse; the new generation will need to be enculturated into this digital realm. This involves learning the norms, practices, and expectations that govern interactions within it. As they become more immersed in virtual spaces, their behaviors, beliefs, and values may shift to align with those prevalent in the Metaverse. This shift could be as significant as the historical transition from oral to written culture or from agrarian to industrial societies.
However, the risk lies in the potential for the Metaverse to replicate and amplify the biases present in our current reality, such as those related to race, gender, and socioeconomic status. The design of these spaces—often driven by corporations with profit motives—may not always prioritize inclusivity or equitable access. Moreover, the preference for familiar technologies and experiences could stifle innovation and limit the Metaverse's potential to be a truly diverse and transformative space.