Tech

What is the metaverse? Meaning explained

The concept of the metaverse is quickly becoming a buzzword in technology and business which is being embraced by Facebook.

But what does it mean? Here we explain.

What is the metaverse? 

Metaverse is 🦂a broad term. It gener🍸ally refers to shared virtual world environments which people can access via the internet.

The term can refer to digital spaces whi𝐆ch are made more lifelike by the use of virtual reality (VR) or augmented reality (AR).

Some people also use the word met🍰averse to describe gaming worlds, in which users have a character that can walk♑ around and interact with other players.

There is also a𓃲 specific type of metaverse which uses blockchain technology. 

In the🌞se, users can buy virtual land and other digital assets using cryptocurrencies.

Many science fiction books and films are set in fully-fledged metaverses – alternative digital worlds which are indistinguishable from the real physical world. 

But this is still the stuff of fiction.

Currently, most 🥀virtual spaces look more like the inside of a video game than real life.

Facebook Inc under fire from regulators and lawmakers over its business practices, is planning to  with a new name that focuses on the metaverse, the Verge reported.

The concept of the metaverse is quickly becoming a buzzword in technology and business which is being embraced by Facebook.
The concept of the metaverse is quickly becoming a buzzword in technology and business, which is being embraced by Facebook. NurPhoto via Getty Images

Why is it taking off?

F🐽ans of the metaverse see it as the next sta🍌ge in the development of the internet.

ಞAt the moment, people interact with each other onlinಞe by going to websites such as social media platforms or using messaging applications. 

The idea of the metaverse is that it will create new online spaces in which people’s interactions can be more multi-dimensional, where users are able to immerse themselves in digital content rather than simply viewing it.

The accelerated interest in the metaverse can be seen as a re🅰sult of the Covid-19 pandem🐼ic. 

As more people have started working and going to school remotely, there has been an increased demand for ways 🎐to make online interaction more lifelike.

Facebook company logo displayed on a phone screen and Horizon logo displayed on a laptop screen are seen in this illustration photo taken in Krakow, Poland on October 20, 2021.
Many science-fiction books and films are set in fully fledged metaverses — alternative digital worlds which are indistinguishable from the real physical world. NurPhoto via Getty Images