Following the rebranding of Facebook to Meta raised many questions as to what the terms “Meta” or “metaverse” meant. Although, the idea of it isn’t new, the textbook definition of metaverse states that “it is the hypothesized next iteration of the Internet, supporting decentralized, persistent online 3-D virtual environments.”

But it’s so much more than the “next iteration of the Internet”. It is a huge leap in artificial intelligence, virtual and augmented technology for humans to interact in 3-D avatars, holograms, and all those cool tech things we see in sci-fi movies. We’ll finally get to experience the Avengers’ technology!

The metaverse refers to a variety of virtual experiences, environments, and assets, which gained popularity during the pandemic last year. What I mean by that is, all the online classes, conferences, etc. were just a small part of the metaverse we experienced. In actuality, within the metaverse, the user’s avatar or hologram is created that allows him/her to interact with colleagues, students, classmates almost physically. For example, your avatar could also walk over and sit next to someone else’s avatar to start a conversation, or turn your gaze over to someone you’re addressing.

Gamers playing augmented reality (AR) games like Minecraft, Fortnite, and Roblox are already treading into the zone of metaversitality, where they can create 3D worlds and characters. Virtual and augmented realities are metaverse adjacent. Together, these technologies are hinting at what the Internet will become in the near future.

Founders, businessmen, futurists, investors have all tried to stake their claims on the idea of metaverse, and put forward its worth in social media, entertainment, experimentation, and profit. If this sounds too exciting or heady, just know the metaverse is a very advanced usage of the Internet, and it may still be in the future, but if it ever materializes, it is closer than it’s ever been.