Technologists are looking at Facebook's Metaverse, which they see as a logical evolution of the Internet and will represent the next big platform in technology. If this concept can be realized, it is expected to be as revolutionary for society and industry as mobile phones.
This idea is expected to be replicated, with the main difference being that the distinction between online and offline will be much harder to define. This could manifest itself in different ways. Although many experts believe that “extended reality” (XR) – which combines augmented reality, virtual reality and mixed reality – will play a major role.
So far, RX technologies have been used primarily in niche gaming usages of telemarketing database and enterprise applications. However, as gaming becomes increasingly social platforms, the likelihood that its features – explorable virtual worlds and seamless media with open, creative expression – will be applied to other contexts increases.
But how does Facebook's Metaverse affect the world of shopping? Wouldn't you like to go to a virtual store from the comfort of your own sofa? Consider that e-commerce will drive 60% of total retail sales growth in the coming years. So it's logical to think that online stores will evolve to compensate for the handicap of physical stores.
Companies like Amazon understand the needs of consumers and know that they want to see what they buy. That's why they are also working on creating a virtual store where customers can buy products, food, books and movies. As well as interact with authors and movie characters and be able to see food in 3D. Amazon also owns Twitch, the largest gaming network in the world. Don't you think they are already working on this?
Facebook is unhappy with Apple's growing control over its advertising business. So, in a way, they're trying to focus on the Metaverse.Share on X
What Mark Zuckerberg Means When He Talks About Facebook's Metaverse
Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg has such control over the company that he constantly invests in new products and engineering. That’s why he recently promoted hardware chief Andrew Bosworth to CTO. This is worth considering when looking at the Facebook Metaverse and why it was created.
Furthermore, the unified identity model that Facebook’s Metaverse seems to imply is not only risky, but fundamentally unsustainable for a large number of us. Facebook addressed this concern when it announced the “Meta” name change. It claimed that open protocols will be used and that a Facebook login will not be required. But what about an open Internet when it comes to free speech and privacy in this context?
Some of the concerns raised by Facebook’s Metaverse could pose major risks to the most vulnerable, globally. Of course, assuming good faith and sufficient investment in privacy and security measures by Facebook, other issues remain. For example, the lack of anonymity and bilateral data-sharing agreements implicit in this model are deeply worrying.
Facebook does not hesitate to collect data from third parties and integrate its services with others. This interoperability means greater potential for surveillance, not less. The threats to freedom of expression in a system like this are as direct as the fear of going online. Especially when privacy about real-life orientation must be maintained, or the risk that personal health information could affect employability.