Imagine a child standing at the edge of a vast, shimmering ocean, the waves beckoning with the promise of adventure. With each step into the water, the boundary between the familiar shore and the mysterious depths blurs.
This is where we find ourselves with the Metaverse—standing on the brink of a universe beyond our current reality. As the physical and digital worlds converge, new possibilities for human interaction, culture, and existence unfold. Yet, like the child hesitating before diving in, the Metaverse has struggled to fully immerse us in its promise.
But this is not the end of the journey; it is merely the beginning of a deeper transformation that transcends technology, leading us into the unknown depths of a new cultural revolution.
The Dual Nature of the Metaverse
The Metaverse can be understood in two primary ways. First, as an enhanced reality, where technology seamlessly integrates into our lives, augmenting our daily experiences. This is something humanity has done for millennia—using tools to improve our quality of life.
The second interpretation is more radical: the Metaverse as a completely new reality, one that expands our existence into previously unimaginable realms.
Both perspectives share a common thread—the Metaverse is an extension of our current reality, not a departure from it.
Neil Stephenson, who coined the term “Metaverse”, in an interview with Matthew Ball described it as “a massively multiplayer online universe that has a sense of space to it so that there are experiences distributed around that space in a way that is perceived by all of its users in the same way. And you can move around from one place to another and interact with other users who are not physically present. It’s not controlled by any one entity; many creators, large and small, build things there.”
This definition, outlines the foundation on which companies like Meta, Decentraland, and Second Life have attempted to build. But these efforts have fallen short of their potential.
To tell you the truth, I’m not a fan of definitions, because they aim to limit the power of what you try to define. Definitions have a purpose: to make you sleep safe, under the illusion that everything is under control. But this is a very limited thought, especially when it has to do with a term that describes the universe in the future.
The Cultural Shifts Preceding the Metaverse
We often hear that “the world is changing,” but today, the change we are witnessing is foundational, not just superficial. Movements like Black Lives Matter, and Me Too have led us to question and dismantle long-held symbols and narratives, revealing truths that were either unknown or deliberately obscured.
Similarly, the ongoing discussions around gender identity are forcing us to rethink language itself, as we strive to create a more inclusive society.
These cultural shifts are not isolated; they are part of a broader evolution that is laying the groundwork for the Metaverse.
The Philosophical Core of the Metaverse
The Metaverse is not just another technological innovation; it is a philosophical shift towards a new way of living. Much like the Industrial Revolution, which transformed society from agrarian to industrial, the Metaverse represents a transition from an industrial culture to a digital, immersive culture. It’s about more than technology—it’s about how we conceptualize reality, identity, and existence.
Keanu Reeves, in an interview with The Verge about “Making The Matrix Awakens with Epic Games,” shared an insightful story. He described how he once tried to explain the concept of The Matrix to a friend’s teenage children. He said, “It’s about a guy who is in a virtual world, and he finds out that there’s a real world, and he’s really questioning what’s real and not real, and he really wants to know what’s real.” The youngest of the kids simply asked, “Why? Who cares if it’s real?”
This response reflects a growing mindset, especially among younger generations, where the distinction between virtual and real is becoming increasingly irrelevant.
This shift from questioning reality to embracing a blended existence underscores the philosophical core of the Metaverse.
My friend Peter Hinssen, in his book The New Normal (2010), talked about how digital would become a commodity, and technology would change everything. Later, in his book The Network Always Wins, he emphasized, “It wasn’t about technology. It’s about how people connect to each other.” These insights highlight that the true potential of the Metaverse lies not in its technological foundations, but in how it can reshape human connections and society.
Why the Metaverse Initially Failed
The initial attempts to build the Metaverse failed largely because they lacked a clear vision that resonated with people’s deepest desires and needs. The focus was on technological prowess and monetization rather than on solving real human problems. Storytelling was disconnected, failing to engage people on a meaningful level. As a result, the Metaverse was seen as just another tech gimmick, rather than the revolutionary cultural shift it has the potential to be.
Neil Stephenson’s definition of the Metaverse was brought to life by companies like Second Life, Meta and Decentraland, but what was missing was the compelling story that could give these spaces a soul. The purpose and narrative that would draw people in were not there. Creators failed to understand the unique value of these virtual spaces. Unlike social media, where users quickly adapted to the culture built for them, the Metaverse demands a more immersive and engaging experience.
When you go to the movies, you follow the story where the director’s camera points, with no other option but to follow the scenes. In the Metaverse, you are in the scene, with 360-degree options, and a creator needs a completely different approach to guide you through the experience. This is one of the reasons creators have found it challenging to build communities in 3D worlds. These worlds require more than just a set of cameras and an iPhone to take a selfie; they demand a team of experts—storytellers, screenwriters, developers, 3D animators, and designers—and high-end equipment that comes at a significant cost.
Preparing for the Metaverse
Before we can fully embrace the Metaverse, we must prepare ourselves—both as individuals and as a society. We need to broaden our minds, invent new languages, and develop new systems that reflect the complexity of the world we are creating. Our current “normality” served us well in the past, but to move forward, we must be willing to break the rules that hold us back. The Metaverse should be built on the values of diversity, sustainability, and inclusivity. It should serve as a space where barriers, stereotypes, and borders no longer exist—a decentralized world that belongs to its community.
Brands, investors, and companies must shift their focus from merely building the Metaverse to answering the critical question: “What kind of Metaverse do we want to have?” The potential of the Metaverse lies in its ability to simulate future societies—societies that we want to live in. Creators, brands, and investors need to work towards bringing projects to life that provide immersive experiences, creating communities around these digital spaces.
Redefining the Metaverse for the Future
To succeed, the Metaverse needs to be redefined, not as a technological platform but as a value-driven ecosystem that promotes a borderless, stereotype-free, and decentralized world. It should be a space owned and shaped by its community, reflecting collective goals and aspirations.
Noonoouri, a digital avatar known for collaborations in the fashion and music industry, is not powered by AI but by an artist who creates stories, directs them, and uses motion capture technology to bring them to life on social media.
MAVE, a top 10 K-pop group, exists entirely in the Metaverse, created by Metaverse Entertainment, with no physical counterparts, yet they have more than 11 millions views on TikTok and 1,5 million streams on Spotify.
Zoey, an avatar in Zepeto created by NTZNS, collaborates with brands to bring concepts to life, spreading ideas about sustainability, inclusivity, and human evolution.
The examples of successful digital avatars like Noonoouri, MAVE, and Zoey illustrate the potential of the Metaverse when creators focus on value and experience, resonating with people on an emotional level.
The Role of Immersive Experiences and Avatar Economy
Central to the Metaverse are immersive experiences—3D environments that allow us to engage in ways that 2D screens simply cannot. These experiences are the bridge between the physical and digital worlds. Alongside this is the emergence of the avatar economy, where our multiple avatar personalities engage in economic activities that have real-world implications. This avatar economy could revolutionize industries by creating new forms of value and sustainability.
One of the things to understand about technology’s role in creating the Metaverse is that it acts as a bridge between imagination and reality. The Matrix, for example, was a concept in the minds of its creators, brought to life through technology. Now, as we attempt to bring such ideas out of cinema and into our lives, we see that technology is once again the enabler, not the end goal.
Creators, brands, and investors must understand that success in the Metaverse comes from creating immersive experiences that offer more than just visual appeal. These experiences need to resonate with people, making them feel something meaningful. The focus should be on building communities and spaces where people want to spend time, driven by stories and values that align with human aspirations.
Lessons from the Past, Vision for the Future
Despite the initial failures, there are already signs that the Metaverse is beginning to take shape. For instance, platforms like Roblox, with its 375 million active users, show the potential of immersive, community-driven environments. Similarly, digital fashion shows on platforms like Zepeto and Roblox are transforming the way we think about business and culture.
Fortnite has already begun transforming into a social platform rather than just a game. With events like virtual concerts (e.g., Travis Scott, Ariana Grande) and movie screenings, Fortnite is setting the stage for a future where it serves as a virtual gathering space.
These examples highlight the potential of the Metaverse to not only revolutionize industries but also to redefine what it means to be human in a digital age.
Investors need to understand that technology will mature when we invest in this direction. The hype might have faded, but those who continue to work on these innovations are still driving progress. The goal is not just to adapt but to lead the way in building our future.
The Metaverse as a Cultural Revolution
The Metaverse is more than just a technological advancement; it is a profound cultural shift that has the potential to redefine our existence. It is the next stage in human evolution, where the boundaries between the physical and digital worlds blur, and where new forms of identity, economy, and community emerge. The Metaverse is not about technology—it’s about people, values, and the future of humanity. As we stand at the brink of this new reality, the question is not if we will create the Metaverse, but when—and how we will ensure it serves the collective good.
Brands, investors, and companies must recognize that the Metaverse is not merely a space to build, but a new way of life to nurture and develop. By focusing on creating value through immersive experiences, building strong communities, and aligning with human values, we can bring the Metaverse to life in a way that truly benefits society.
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