Depicted in several science fiction stories, a metaverse is a conceptual version of the Internet that allows humans to further immerse themselves in a digital setting. Although several interpretations of this idea, metaverses generally involve sprawling 3-D worlds experienced through VR (virtual reality) or AR (augmented reality). In this environment, users can interact with the avatars of other users, become employed, and purchase digital property.

Metaverse is a portmanteau of the prefix “meta,” which refers to transcendence, and “universe.” This concept supports the idea that humans can live in a deeply immersive simulation of our own creation.

An example of a metaverse is the OASIS, depicted in Ernest Cline’s science fiction novel Ready Player One, released in 2011 and adapted to cinema in 2018.

Does a metaverse exist?

Although we don’t have a comprehensive 3-D environment as vast as the Internet, several concepts found in fictional metaverse stories are implemented in some form or another. For example, social VR games like VRChat contain several “worlds” that players can travel between, play games, and have virtual experiences with other players. Also, the idea of digital currencies, conceptualized in fiction works of the past, have become more common with cryptocurrencies.

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