From Tom Brady’s likely retirement to the latest binge-worthy thing on Netflix, there’s also something generating buzz. In the digital world, a lot of focus lately has been on this thing referred to as the metaverse. So, is this like “The Matrix” come to life or just a new type of internet-like thing except with VR headsets? Below, we dive deeper into the metaverse and internet to give you a better idea of what’s what.
The Internet Explained
The internet is essentially a digital global communications network. It’s what’s accessed from computers, mobiles, and any other device with a connection to the World Wide Web. There are also things like servers, cables, and various other components that play a role in transporting information digitally from one place to another. While wireless connections are becoming increasingly common, there’s still a reliance on physical cables of some sort to keep things moving and accessible.
When you log into an internet-connected device and search for a website, for example, your request is sent via wires or cables to a server. A server is what stores websites. It’s kind of like a computer hard drive, but on a larger scale. After a “request” is made based on what you type or say, the information you want is quickly retrieved and sent to your device.
The Metaverse Explained
The metaverse can be defined a “digital space” that presents a world where everything is represented digitally or virtually. This is why there have been a lot of “Matrix” comparisons whenever the metaverse is discussed. It’s basically a digital world populated by avatars and an assortment of digital objects. Walmart recently presented a demo video illustrating the metaverse concept. In this instance, shoppers are transported to a virtual store where they can put various items into a virtual cart.
The metaverse combines elements of virtual and augmented realities with other technologies to create a customized world where people live, interact, and engage. The term “metaverse” has actually been around since the early ’90s. This is when sci-fi writer Neal Stephenson used it in one of his stories. In this case, the author envisioned a world where people as avatars interacted in an assortment of virtual environments.
While it was easy to dismiss the metaverse as pure science fiction in the early ’90s, this isn’t the case anymore. So, let’s go through some of the key differences between the internet and metaverse now to give you an idea of what to expect.
Engaging vs. Immersing
When we’re talking about the internet, there’s a lot of engagement going on, which can involve playing games, social media interactions, emailing, streaming content, shopping, or simply browsing various sites and checking out cool videos.
The metaverse goes a step further and immerses you into a digital world. In this instance, you’re a much more direct part of the action. The metaverse immerses you in a hodgepodge of realities that include:
• Physical realities
• Virtual and augmented realities
• Social media realities
• Cryptocurrencies
• Online gaming
Interacting on a Different Scale
With the internet, you actually don’t have to interact with anyone as you browse or do various activities and actions. However, the metaverse is entirely focused on virtual human interaction to some extent. It’s a universe of its own that can be fun, practical, or educational.
Going Beyond Devices
Some metaverse enthusiasts picture a digital experience that transcends devices and puts people in their own preferred virtual existences. It could even become a world where people virtually live in homes they can’t realistically afford in the real world. There may even be a whole virtual economy and other elements from the real world represented in a virtual way.
So, No More Internet Then?
Not exactly. Smartphones and other digital connection tools still need a lot of improving to be able to handle all things metaverse-related. Mark Zuckerberg and other tech world players are all about the metaverse. In fact, Facebook has already changed its official name to Meta. In reality, however, the metaverse will likely expand on what the internet already is rather than replace it entirely.