A breeze of the future…

The word “Metaverse " first appeared in a science fiction novel - it's a form of virtual reality depicted in the cyberpunk book "Snow Crash" by Neal Stephenson. In an alternate world, people would lead second lives using their avatars. This idea has permanently permeated popular culture and has been the subject of many books and movies. Metaverse is an augmented virtual reality. You can connect to it primarily using VR goggles and spend time in it. Today, Internet use is centred around two-dimensional experiences. Thanks to the Metaverse, you will be able to immerse yourself in the virtual world and perform activities that were until now exclusive to the real world. The creators of the metaverse include gaming giants - Epic and Microsoft, as well as Google, Amazon, Valve and Unity. Facebook, after changing its name to Meta, began to make plans to build a metaverse , which, according to Mark Zuckerberg , is intended to be "an embodied version of the Internet". According to his concept, the metaverse is to go beyond the gaming sector (the Horizon platform is already in operation, through which you can create your digital home, workplace or an entire pocket world). Zuckerberg emphasizes that virtual reality could, for example, help to better feel someone's presence during online business meetings. Where can you look for valuable information on modern technologies? It is worth following current Webinar Academy training programs. This training platform enabling online learning is intended for all who are curious about the world.

…or misunderstood madness?

Not everyone is favourably disposed to the concept of the metaverse, however. It is already predicted that the development of virtual reality will be associated with several key problems. All activity in the metaverse will be recorded on servers, which will allow companies to monitor the activities of users and use the data they collect to advertise products or services to them. In short, the greater the sophistication of the virtual world, the greater the level of surveillance. It can be difficult for a user to monitor and control the information they share if companies do not respect the privacy settings. Interaction with the digital world in any form increases the risk of hacking attacks , identity theft and other similar activities. Before the metaverse is fully developed, its functions will be quite limited, which can be frustrating for some users along with possible technical problems. Excessive fascination with the virtual world and less interest in the real one may be a considerable threat, especially in the case of younger people (but not only them). It is rather impossible to avoid an increase in the number of manipulative behaviours in relation to people susceptible to total immersion in fictional reality. As with any technological innovation, use common sense and exercise caution when using the metaverse. Webinar Academy training courses can provide information on similar issues. This Internet training platform was created to enable anyone to learn online from anywhere.

The idea of modern social media

Social media such as Facebook, Instagram and Twitter revolutionized the way people interact some time ago. They allowed people to communicate with friends and loved ones via the Internet, sharing any content. Despite all they do, they are not able to provide such a level of immersion in virtual reality as the metaverse . In the metaverse, users will be able to interact using avatars and, importantly, express real emotions that cannot be seen through a glass screen. They will also engage more in activities such as playing games or shopping. Metaverse will therefore enable better immersion in online activities than traditional social media. The world will be more personalized in terms of the user's needs - they will create their own avatar, virtual house and the entire environment. Metaverse is also an opportunity for companies to increase customer engagement and build more advanced business concepts. More tips on running a business can be found on the Webinar Academy training platform.

Maybe it's worth using?

From a business perspective, the metaverse offers companies a new way to communicate and collaborate with users (and employees) from anywhere in the world. It also supports a virtual economy where users can enjoy numerous activities (not only entertainment). Customers will be able to use e.g. recreational locations or VR clothing stores. Architects or interior designers can also use the metaverse to create specific spaces. In fact, the virtual world will work best for owners of e-commerce businesses. It gives a lot of room for manoeuvrer when it comes to presenting and selling clothes (both for chain stores and luxury boutiques) and other items. Companies can also take advantage of new opportunities to retain existing customers and attract new ones. For example, the metaverse will give any entrepreneur a chance to offer recipients premium access to experiences in exchange for meeting certain conditions. Such experiences can be e.g. virtual events or concerts. Fashion brands will benefit from designing purchasable clothes for avatars. In this way, many users can become aware of a given company and get acquainted with its offer also in the real world. Brands that care about their presence in the metaverse attract the attention of the media, gain publicity and an advantage over the competition, which is less involved in activities carried out in the virtual world. It is also worth mentioning the trend related to the sale of NFT, i.e. virtual items. An NFT can only have one owner. So a company can create its own branded NFT and make it viral. Coca-Cola took advantage of this method - collectible digital items such as a vintage cooler or a branded jacket could drop out of a virtual soda machine . The action gained publicity in the media. There are already special online platforms dedicated to business development in the metaverse. These are Decentraland (e.g. for organizing fairs and NFT sales), VR CHAT (for creating functional avatars and implementing complex interaction mechanisms), Spatial and AltSpaceVR .

Modern technological solutions always meet with the approval of some people and the disapproval of others. Although the use of the metaverse is still a big puzzle and may involve some risk, a sensible approach to virtual reality will help companies gain an advantage over the competition. To learn more about modern technologies, one should regularly the current offer of the Webinar training platform Academy .