In this guide
- What is the metaverse?
- Views from digital platforms
- What to watch out for
- 5 facts to know about the metaverse
- Supporting resources
What is the metaverse?
The metaverse refers to a new age of the internet often linked to virtual reality (VR) headsets. Yet, users can also access it with augmented reality (AR), and some platforms which are not exclusively AR- or VR-based have said they are a part of the metaverse. So, then, what makes it different from the rest of the internet?
In theory, the metaverse surrounds the idea of creating virtual digital worlds and realities similar to real life. So, users can socialise, sell virtual items, make purchases, learn, work, play games and more just like they can in the real world but in a virtual space. If they access the metaverse with a virtual reality headset, they could do all of these things in the comfort of their own home while still feeling like they are out and about.
The biggest idea, though, is the ability to connect all the different virtual ‘worlds’ together. So, when someone finishes playing Roblox, they can dive into ZEPETO without having to really ‘go’ anywhere else. Users could access it all from the same point across platforms, including video games, social media and more.
Does the metaverse already exist?
The metaverse is still a work-in-progress. It requires a lot of different technologies and cooperation between companies. Where it does exist right now is fairly limited. For example, it exists in games that allow users to create their own worlds or homes. However, companies like Meta are working to develop it to more. Many believe it is the future of the internet.
ZEPETO is a good example of the future of the metaverse. Users can jump from virtual world to virtual world and play games with others. Or they can focus on designing and selling virtual items and more. They have also partnered with big brands or other platforms where the metaverse may go as virtual experiences evolve.
Views from digital platforms
Although there is general agreement for what the metaverse is, some different ideas exist.
Meta says that the metaverse is “about making the time you do spend online more meaningful.” For them, it isn’t just about spending more time online. They say the products making up the metaverse will likely take 10-15 years to fully develop. Further more, they say it’s vital they build these products responsibly with users’ safety in mind.
Samsung describes the metaverse as “a well-established trend of the future.” It sees the metaverse as evolving online communication and creating new values in its users online. Partnering with platforms like Roblox and ZEPETO, it has begun using the metaverse in marketing as well.
Roblox was founded on the idea of the “human co-experience: people doing things together in synchronous 3D spaces.” This closely aligns with the primary ideas of the metaverse. The platform also hosts concerts with artists like Charli XCX and Lizzo in metaverse, which is just one way to use the metaverse idea.
These and many other platforms see the metaverse as the next step in online interaction. Socialising, playing video games and creating virtual homes is just the beginning.
What to watch out for
The internet and technology have grown incredibly over the last twenty or so years. With it comes many online safety issues and concerns from parents and educators about how it might impact children. Because the metaverse is still in progress, there are a lot of unknown things still to come.
However, there are always things you can do to help your child keep safety at the front of their mind:
- Talk to them about their online lives including their interests, who they’re talking to and what they’re doing
- Learn about their favourite platforms that are or could be a part of the metaverse like Roblox, ZEPETO, Minecraft and Fortnite
- Regularly search about or read up on the metaverse to learn about new advances and products
- With your child, set up parental controls or privacy and security settings to help them understand their importance and what they do
- Learn more about virtual reality in the metaverse to understand how the virtual space might impact your child
- Talk to your child about money management, especially when it comes to buying and selling virtual items.