A few years ago the idea of metaverse started cooking: A virtual and immersive ecosystem where we could all meet our friends or family, exercise, work or even go to a concert without the need to leave home.
Today, this idea is a reality and its development is advancing by leaps and bounds; it is a persistent and shared virtual world, where people can interact with each other through their avatars. It is a world that has the potential to revolutionize the way we live, work and learn.
How does the metaverse work?
The metaverse is based on augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR) and mixed reality (MR) technologies. These technologies allow people to interact with the virtual world in a more immersive and realistic way.
Some examples of companies that are working on the development of the metaverse are:
- Facebook. It has changed its name to Meta and is investing heavily in the development of the metaverse.
- Microsoft: Microsoft is also investing in the development of the metaverse, and has announced plans to integrate it into its online work platform, Teams.
- Roblox: An online gaming platform that allows users to create their own virtual worlds and games.
- Fortnite. It is a video game that allows users to interact with other players in a virtual world.
Risks and dangers of this technology
Although it sounds exciting, just like the ‘real’ world, it has its dangers, which must be analyzed by specialists so that it does not become a hostile place. Among the main challenges of this new universeare:
Addiction and mental health
As with any form of technology and online entertainment, there is a risk that people could become addicted to the metaverse. Spending long hours in a virtual environment could lead to mental health problems such as social isolation, anxiety, depression, and lack of physical activity.
Privacy & Security
In the metaverse, users can share a large amount of personal information. This could increase the risks of privacy breaches and theft of personal data if security systems are not strong enough..
Cybercrime in the metaverse
Online bullying and exploitation may also increase.
digital inequality
Not all people will have equal access or abilities to participate in the metaverse. The digital divide could widen furtherleaving behind those who cannot afford the necessary technology or do not have access to a high-speed Internet connection.
Discrimination
The metaverse is created by people, and as such, it reflects the biases of the people who create it, which can lead to the exclusion of certain groups of people, such as women or people with disabilities.
technological dependency
With the metaverse, there is a risk that people will become increasingly disconnected from the real world and rely heavily on virtual experiences for satisfaction and meaning in life. This could have negative effects on society and human relations..
unstable virtual economy
As virtual markets develop in the metaverse, speculative bubbles, fraud and price gouging could emerge, which could have an impact on the digital economy and affect unsuspecting users.
corporate control
If the metaverse becomes a dominant part of online life, it could lead to excessive control by large corporations that own and operate much of this virtual space. This could limit freedom of choice and diversity of experience within the metaverse.
Metaverse, a safe digital world?
It is essential to address these potential dangers proactively to ensure that the development of the metaverse is beneficial to society at large and that the rights and privacy of users are respected.
In this sense, the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) has published a series of recommendations to guarantee security in the metaverse. These include:
- Develop and implement strong privacy and security policies and practices. Developers and operators must take measures to protect the privacy and security of users. This includes using strong security measures, such as encryption and two-factor authentication, and having clear policies on the use of users’ personal data.
- Create an inclusive and respectful environment. The metaverse should be an inclusive and respectful space for all people, regardless of age, gender, race, religion, sexual orientation, or any other personal characteristics.
- Educate users about the risks. Users of the metaverse should be aware of the security risks associated with the digital space. Therefore, the creators of these digital universes must provide users with information on how to stay safe in it.
- Cooperate with governments and other stakeholders. Developers and operators of the metaverse must cooperate with governments and other stakeholders to develop and implement robust security policies and practices.
As the ‘new world’ continues to unfold, developers, operators and users will need to work together to implement these recommendations and make this a safe space for everyone.
Text created with the support of Bard
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