Facebook has changed its name, the platform is now called “Meta” and refers to the metaverse (metaverse in English). What is it about?
We hear more and more about the metaverse. This funny word takes its name from the combination of the terms “meta” and “universe” and designates a digital, virtual world, very similar to reality. This term first appeared in 1968, in the science fiction novel by American Daniel F. Galouye: Simulacron. But it was then impossible to imagine that this idea would be realized one day because the technologies allowing it did not exist at the time. We therefore rather place the origin of the metaverse in the 1980s with the appearance of video games integrating avatars, characters representing the virtual doubles of the players.
At the beginning of the 2000s, a virtual universe will be very successful: Second Life. Users can create their character there and make it live in a world they have made from scratch, be it landscapes, buildings, clothes… A virtual currency is even created to allow players to exchange, sell or buy virtual items. They then have the opportunity to convert (transform) this virtual money into real money.
Another world
From now on, Facebook is launching into the metaverse. For the famous social network, it is the “computing platform of the future”. He defines it this way: “A set of virtual spaces where you can create and explore with others who are not in the same physical space as you. You can hang out with friends, work, play, learning, shopping, creating and more”.
ipopba — stock.adobe.com
In other words, to live as we do today, but not in reality. Virtually… And this, thanks to technological tools such as virtual or augmented reality glasses or helmets which allow their users, thanks to sounds and images, to be completely “immersed” in another world. which was not the case with Second Life. We will thus have a virtual double which will make it possible to live an “other life” in a fictional universe (which is not reality) more real than life, without having to leave home.
Facebook’s wish is to appeal to other senses than sight or hearing. Its leader wants to create sensations, emotions. Of course, the social network alone cannot create the metaverse as it would like. The platform will have to collaborate with others for this parallel life to take place. It could take 10 to 15 years according to experts working on this technology.
Dangers?
This upcoming new fictional universe poses many questions. There are concerns about the effect the Metaverse may have on some people. How do you get out of this virtual world? Doesn’t it risk locking people up? What about the security of our personal data? Will the law be able to punish certain behaviors or crimes that happen in the metaverse? All the answers have not yet been given to these questions and only time will allow us to see them more clearly.
What about children? Facebook ensures that, for security, they will not have access to the platform (the minimum age to register on Facebook is 13 years old). But other platforms offering the metaverse are specially dedicated to children. This is the case, for example, of Fortnite (see framed) which continues to multiply the possibilities for players.
LEARN MORE
Currently, the closest thing to the metaverse that Facebook wants to create is the game Fortnite. The platform offers a truly immersive experience (the feeling of being inside the game) to its players.
Thus, for example, we were able to attend virtual concerts given by the avatars of stars of the song like Ariana Grande, Aya Nakamura or rapper Travis Scott. Players were also able to preview the trailer for the science fiction film Tenet. Most Provided is not the only platform to offer this type of experience, we can also mention Roblox which offers different games.
To make friends
After his virtual concerts, Fortnite has just taken a new step in its evolution. With “Party Worlds”, the platform now offers a new world to its players with different spaces whose purpose is to create social interactions, make friends, rather than compete in battles.