The Metaverse: Why Its Promises May Never Materialize
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Chapter 1: Introduction to the Metaverse
The concept of the metaverse often evokes excitement, but my skepticism stems from past experiences with 3D films.
As a 50-year-old, I find myself hoping for a metaverse where my youthful hair remains intact, my health issues are non-existent, and my past is wiped clean. Back in 2015, I penned a Time magazine cover piece titled "The Surprising Joy of Virtual Reality — And Why It’s About to Change the World." While I wrote it to generate interest, I never truly believed it would revolutionize our lives beyond the superficial impact of adding yet another article to the internet.
While virtual reality does bring joy and offers a fantastic gaming experience, it's crucial to remember that this excitement isn't the reason Mark Zuckerberg invested $2.3 billion in a VR company founded by Palmer Luckey, a young entrepreneur who dropped out of college. Zuckerberg envisions VR as the culmination of a long evolution in communication mediums, a space where we might shop, socialize, and even engage in fantastical activities—like playing poker with a robotic companion.
Yet, I remain unconvinced that this vision will come to fruition, and my reasoning traces back to my experiences with 3D films.
Section 1.1: The Rise and Fall of 3D Movies
In the early 1950s, a new trend captured the attention of cinema-goers: 3D films. One notable example was House of Wax, which became a box office hit, prompting viewers to don two-toned glasses in an attempt to experience something extraordinary. However, the novelty quickly wore off, and for nearly three decades, 3D films faded from the scene.
The technology made a resurgence in the 1980s with Jaws 3-D, only to be met with the same disinterest. Fast forward to 2009, when big-budget films began releasing in RealD 3D, creating a brief resurgence in interest, particularly with the success of Avatar. Despite its record-breaking earnings, the 3D experience ultimately remained a fleeting trend, with my father being one of the few who still utilized his 3D-enabled television solely to watch Avatar.
No matter how advanced 3D technology becomes, it will always remain a novelty, as audiences fundamentally crave compelling stories. While visuals enhance our experience, the idea of having to wear glasses or venture to a theater can be off-putting.
Subsection 1.1.1: The Shift in Consumption Habits
Today, despite having access to stunning 4K OLED screens, we often prefer consuming low-fidelity content on our smartphones. We bypass elaborate setups for video calls and engage with unedited podcasts. Even with flawless communication options available, texting has emerged as the preferred method of interaction, driven more by convenience than immersion.
Section 1.2: The Limitations of Virtual Interaction
Linear growth may suggest a desire to transition our lives into the digital realm entirely, but human behavior contradicts this. We express affection for texting while simultaneously yearning for in-person connections, so much so that people gather regardless of imposed restrictions.
Reflecting on my brief experience in the virtual world of Second Life, I found that the primary interest among users revolved around virtual relationships, often in bizarre contexts. The metaverse seems to be attempting to address a non-existent issue, as demonstrated by Walmart's VR shopping simulation, which, while innovative, merely replicates an experience already achievable through a few taps on a phone screen.
Chapter 2: The Metaverse's Imminent Decline
The first video, "This is why Metaverse will never work," highlights the fundamental flaws in the metaverse's promises and proposes that its concept may be more fanciful than functional.
The second video, "The Metaverse Won't Work," further delves into the impracticalities of a digital-only existence, suggesting that traditional experiences hold more value.
Ultimately, the metaverse is facing an uphill battle. No matter how much one invests in crafting an impressive digital persona, it will never replicate the genuine satisfaction of sharing a moment through a simple selfie from a picturesque location.
In essence, the virtual realm cannot compete with the authentic connections and experiences that our physical world provides.
Joel Stein serves as the senior distinguished visiting fellow at the Joel Stein Institute. He has previously contributed columns to Time, the L.A. Times, and Entertainment Weekly, and is the author of works such as In Defense of Elitism and Man Made: A Stupid Quest for Masculinity. Connect with him on social media platforms or his website.