The Metaverse is an open, digitally enhanced virtual world where users work, play, and experience a life like never before. Like a virtual video game but with no quests or enemies, the metaverse allows users to live a life online without any physical boundaries. As such, it promises to be a very immersive experience.
Some of the disadvantages of the Metaverse include the requirement of high-speed, reliable internet connection. The current technological requirements for participation include fifth-generation wireless network technology, fifth-generation networks, or next-generation internet services. People with poor Internet connections will be discriminated against. But what if the Internet was as affordable as that? Could we make the Metaverse accessible to all? Ultimately, we’ll find out. This article will discuss some of the challenges of the metaverse. Let’s jump in and take a look!
Access Inequality in the Metaverse
While the Metaverse promises expanded access to products and places, it could also worsen existing inequalities. One expert described the term “reality privilege” in a recent interview, referring to the fact that people with technology and economic power enjoy the benefits of living in stimulating real-life environments. If this trend persists, the Metaverse could be inheriting the problems of today’s social media. It’s time for people from historically marginalized groups to take a leadership role in shaping the future of the Metaverse.
The future of the Metaverse will increase digital inequality, and companies are racing to take advantage of that. Using the virtual world for business purposes will require specific hardware and high-speed Internet. It could also lead to new forms of digital inequality, as users of the Metaverse will need augmented reality glasses or VR headsets. Some researchers believe that if this happens, digital inequalities may worsen. As with any technology, a Metaverse will need a reliable Internet connection, but not everyone will have access to these technologies.
Ultimately, the Metaverse will have implications for the safety of society. It may also disproportionately impact communities of color. While federal technology policies do not mandate algorithmic accountability, these developments could pose a real threat to a society that strives to be more inclusive. This means that federal technology policymakers and agencies should demand that companies implement inclusive policy standards. But these new technological advancements must be tempered by the realities of today’s society.
Privacy and security concerns
Various privacy and security issues exist in the metaverse, such as hacking, identity theft and exploitation. Blockchain technology is one such technological advancement that has the potential to make the metaverse more secure. In addition, the development of AR and VR technology can open the doors for social engineering and ransomware attacks. The metaverse can also expose people to physical and social security threats. As a result, organizations that implement the technology must carefully consider the risks it poses to its users.
The Metaverse will require new hardware that will collect new types of data. This new hardware will be worn on the user’s face. Eye tracking and head movement data will be collected. Face swapping and 3D model replacement will be possible thanks to machine learning. Eye-tracking tools for VR headsets will also be used to determine the background and foreground object. Clearly, privacy and security concerns are important for the metaverse.
The collection of data in the metaverse will enable companies to derive information about users and their preferences. The development of such tools could test current notions of privacy and corporate policy. For example, a health insurance company could gain access to user information about health problems before the user even notices them. Despite these issues, technology companies are beginning to wonder about the Metaverse. Facebook Inc. recently rebranded itself as Meta Platforms, indicating its interest in the metaverse.
Physical and Mental Effects
The physical and mental effects of being on the metaverse are raising concerns among its users. According to some reports, users of the virtual world experience symptoms of motion sickness and mental illness. While research on the topic is in its early stages, health experts have expressed concern about the effect of virtual worlds. According to Dr. Susan Persky, head of health communication at the National Human Genome Research Institute, users may experience the physical effects of virtual worlds after spending too much time in them.
The effects of being on the metaverse can be comparable to those of fast-acting and extreme drugs. Some users may even lose track of time and may become accustomed to virtual worlds, failing to acknowledge reality. Similarly, the use of mobile devices may cause users to engage in a virtual world that mimics reality. In fact, the average American spends 5.4 hours per day staring at screens.
On the flip side, the metaverse provides a higher level of anonymity, which may come across as a blessing for people with self-esteem issues, helping them overcome them and living their true potential.
Regulatory Issues
In a recent article, Recode detailed a new series on Big Tech and antitrust, covering companies such as Apple, Google, and Microsoft. In the Metaverse, which is a virtual space where people can play games, conduct meetings, and have social interactions, Facebook co-founder Mark Zuckerberg said that the technology is improving to provide a “reality-based sense of presence.” In a separate article, the site revealed that Facebook is working on a stack of hardware and software that would allow anyone to enjoy the experience.
The FTC’s limited resources make it hard to take action against a rapidly expanding industry. The FTC is often forced to pick a battle with a giant company. But the FTC’s chair Lina Khan may decide that AR/VR is not a “hill she wants to die on.” Regardless, Meta may end up being the first of many battles between giant tech companies and the government.
Verchool and the Metaverse
Would you like to explore gaming opportunities in the metaverse? Verchool can help.
Verchool is a pioneering Virtual Extended Reality (VER) metaverse development company, spread across five continents and ten global cities, to create, develop, and launch metaverse tech communities, platforms, spaces, studios, and labs for its clients.
Verchool provides corporates, conglomerates, governments and global family offices with exponential growth and competitive advantages via a multitude of VER metaverse technology solutions. These can be integrated with employee or customer engagement digital strategies that will provide additional brand equity, new revenue streams and the creation of new bankable digital assets.
