Since the early 21st century, the era of information technology has arrived. Experts refer to this era as the Fourth Industrial Revolution (The Fourth Wave).
In this context, digitalization is rapidly advancing, and Artificial Intelligence (AI) is beginning to play a role in our lives. As a result, people can now conduct business and perform tasks online.
This trend has been evolving in our lives since the introduction of smartphones, leading to the development of the 3D industry and providing us with another space for social interaction online.
This background has given rise to the current existence of the metaverse.
The term “Metaverse” is a combination of “Meta,” meaning transcendence and virtual, and “Universe,” meaning the world.
Simply put, the metaverse is a virtual world, a system that extends reality digitally, allowing activities such as politics, economics, and social interactions.
With technological advancements, people have transitioned from 2D gaming to experiencing 3D augmented reality and virtual reality.
Initially confined to the gaming and entertainment industries, the metaverse now allows people in the corporate and industrial sectors to experience virtual worlds, offering advantages such as designing and executing tasks and processes.
The concept of the metaverse is not entirely new and was introduced in 2003 by the American developer Linden Lab with the virtual reality platform called Second Life.
Second Life features an economy driven by consumption and demand, similar to the real world.
Users can create and customize avatars, engage in activities such as travel, shopping, and role-playing, and participate in economic and real estate-related activities.
The prolonged implementation of social distancing policies due to the COVID-19 pandemic has sparked increased public interest in the virtual reality of the metaverse.
Companies associated with the metaverse are expanding their technological applications into areas such as education, health, and e-commerce. As more diverse companies invest in the metaverse, its growth potential is expected to increase.
The metaverse, unlike traditional platforms, possesses five distinct characteristics known as the 5Cs: Canon, Creator, Currency, Continuity, and Connectivity.
Digital currency, the extension of daily life, and connectivity have become familiar to people due to the widespread use of smartphones.
However, the metaverse adds the concepts of worldview and creators. The essence of the metaverse economy lies in incorporating our daily lives into a virtual world and showcasing the creativity of creators to consumers.
In other words, the core of the metaverse is to enable consumers to feel a sense of reality from the virtual world.
The metaverse can be categorized into virtual reality, augmented reality, and social networking services. Virtual reality reflects reality in a digital world, while augmented reality applies 3D virtual images to the background of reality, presenting them as a single image.
Social networking services enable people to share their daily lives and actively communicate with each other.
Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) are rapidly advancing, leading to the evolution of related computer and smartphone industries. This suggests an expanding range of activities that people can engage in online.
Consequently, individuals and society are likely to embrace the application and influence of the metaverse without resistance.
The history of humanity has evolved through struggles for freedom and a yearning for justice.
While technological advancements have positive aspects, they can sometimes result in compromised human dignity. The metaverse is expected to bring various conveniences to daily life.
However, it is crucial to ensure that the dignity and identity inherent in human beings are not compromised by the introduction of the metaverse.
Therefore, individuals and society should critically interpret the advantages and disadvantages of metaverse adoption.