Have You Read "Snow Crash"?

Neal Stephenson is credited with coining the term ‘metaverse’ in his 1992 novel, where characters enter a 3D virtual reality through devices reminiscent of today’s VR headsets, like the Oculus Quest or HoloLens. In "Snow Crash," the metaverse is depicted as a sprawling urban landscape where users interact, socialize, and sometimes escape their mundane realities.

Whether you view "Snow Crash" as research or entertainment, it’s a worthwhile read. If you prefer visual storytelling, films such as Ready Player One, Minority Report, Avatar, and the Iron Man series often come up in discussions about the metaverse.

Insights from Industry Leaders

Now that we have a foundational understanding of the metaverse through Stephenson's lens, it's essential to consider perspectives from current industry leaders. How does their vision align with the metaverse as described in "Snow Crash"?

#### Mark Zuckerberg and Meta

Mark Zuckerberg has been vocal about his commitment to the metaverse, stating that in five years, Facebook will primarily be recognized as a “metaverse company” rather than a social media platform. This rebranding to Meta underscores his dedication to this vision.

He has articulated his perspective on how the metaverse will transform human connection and interaction, positioning his company as a key player in this evolution. During a July 2021 discussion with employees, he remarked that the metaverse represents a collective vision across multiple companies, akin to the mobile internet's evolution. Importantly, he clarified that the metaverse will extend beyond just virtual reality, being accessible on PCs, mobile devices, and gaming consoles.

#### Satya Nadella and Microsoft

Microsoft aims to integrate work into the metaverse through its Mesh product, particularly Mesh for Microsoft Teams, which seeks to make collaboration enjoyable and personal.

In a November 2021 tweet, CEO Satya Nadella stated, “The metaverse is here, and it’s transforming how we see and engage with the world—from factories to meeting rooms.” He envisions a progression from video calls to immersive 3D meetings, illustrating the metaverse's practical applications.

#### Matthew Ball, Venture Capitalist & Writer

Matthew Ball has penned insightful essays about the potential of the metaverse, describing it as "a massively scaled and interoperable network of real-time rendered 3D virtual worlds." His emphasis on a network aligns with Zuckerberg’s belief that the metaverse will not be monopolized by a single entity.

Synthesizing Perspectives

The various interpretations of the metaverse reflect the diverse backgrounds of its proponents. By examining the views of Zuckerberg, Ball, Nadella, and others, several common themes emerge that characterize the metaverse.

#### A Network of Virtual Worlds

Many believe the metaverse will evolve into a vast network of interconnected virtual worlds, similar to today’s Internet. Each virtual space could represent different applications or websites, contributing to an expansive metaverse experience.

Our interactions will be shaped by the virtual environments we frequent, just as the web experience is influenced by the applications we use. Concerns exist about a single company monopolizing the metaverse; however, even Zuckerberg insists on a collaborative ecosystem.

#### Social and Immersive Experiences

A defining trait of the metaverse will be its immersive nature, distinguishing it from current digital interactions. Stephenson noted that the metaverse will transport users to a different realm, enhancing the sense of presence and engagement.

In the metaverse, real-world surroundings may fade into the background, and users will feel fully present within these digital experiences. Interactions will often take place in realistic virtual settings, enhancing spatial awareness and engagement.

#### Comprehensive Involvement in Daily Life

The metaverse will encompass all aspects of life—entertainment, education, work, and social interaction. Picture waking up, attending work or school, and enjoying leisure activities all within the metaverse.

We will seamlessly transition between virtual shopping experiences, social gatherings, and professional meetings, creating a holistic digital lifestyle.

#### Identity in the Metaverse

Users will have distinct identities in the metaverse, akin to their real-world personas. This identity will include names, appearances, possessions, and history, allowing for continuity across different virtual environments.

While anonymity may be an option in some areas, individuals will likely have the ability to switch between various digital avatars as desired.

#### True Ownership of Digital Assets

As life increasingly intertwines with digital platforms, the ownership of virtual assets becomes imperative. Users may possess virtual real estate, homes, and items, mirroring real-world ownership dynamics.

Entrepreneurs may establish their own ventures within the metaverse, while gamers will retain true ownership of their digital assets. Unlike traditional games, where items remain confined to a specific platform, the metaverse allows for interoperability across various virtual spaces.

#### A New Economic Landscape

While our real-world needs persist, the metaverse will foster a unique digital economy. Users will engage in commerce for entertainment, goods, and services within this virtual realm.

Cryptocurrencies are expected to play a significant role as a medium of exchange within the metaverse, highlighting the need for a cohesive economic framework.

Current State of the Metaverse

While many envision the metaverse as a future concept, elements already exist today. Massively Multiplayer Online Games (MMOGs) like Roblox and Fortnite operate as virtual worlds where players can interact and trade items.

Notable virtual events, such as Marshmello's concert in Fortnite, have drawn millions of participants, showcasing the potential of immersive experiences.

Platforms like Decentraland and The Sandbox are pioneering blockchain-based environments for social gatherings and events. Meta's Horizon Workrooms is in beta, allowing teams to collaborate in a virtual space, further blurring the lines between work and the metaverse.

The Future of Virtual Reality

Zuckerberg emphasizes that the metaverse is not solely tied to virtual reality. While VR and AR will enhance the metaverse experience, accessibility through various devices is essential.

Despite the current limitations of VR hardware, advancements from companies like Meta and Apple may soon revolutionize mainstream adoption.

NFTs and Their Role

NFTs have emerged as a pivotal technology in the metaverse, facilitating digital ownership. Unlike traditional games where items remain locked within their ecosystems, NFTs enable true ownership of digital assets, allowing users to carry their belongings across different virtual worlds.

Final Thoughts

The metaverse presents an opportunity to create immersive and engaging digital experiences that parallel real life. It represents a natural progression in the evolution of the Internet, offering a glimpse into a future where our digital and physical lives converge.

While the metaverse is not a replacement for real-world connections, it enhances our digital experiences. As we continue to explore this uncharted territory, it’s essential to recognize that the metaverse is not merely a technology but a reflection of our evolving relationship with the digital world.

Originally published at https://techmoneyculture.com on January 11, 2022.

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