Metaverse holds unknowable societal risks
Emerald expert briefings · 2022
Significance The metaverse -- immersive 3D virtual environments seen as the next disruptive iteration of the internet -- is attracting hype and investment in equal measure. Proto-metaverses already exist -- notably in gaming -- but are expanding to virtual live events and workplaces, supporting a multi-billion-dollar industry and internal economy. Impacts The metaverse will not be a unitary digital realm but multiple digital spaces reflecting the different visions of industry players. Early reports of VR sexual harassment highlight the risk of violence on social media readily transferring to metaverses. 'Brandtech' may be the post-advertising future of marketing.