The metaverse and its influence and transformation on human society

Abstract

<p>In 2021, the metaverse was born, becoming a stimulant in the capital market and the focus of heated discussions in academia. However, there are different opinions on how to define the metaverse. This study defines the metaverse as: supported by the Internet, artificial intelligence, and blockchain technology, the virtual world and the real world are coupled together through information and communication technology and smart devices, and a realistic mirror world that integrates virtual and real is constructed and recreated according to one’s own subjective imagination. Compared with traditional cyberspace and physical space, the metaverse has distinctive features such as technological superposition, fusion of virtual and real, embodied immersion and real-time interactivity. Just like the birth of the Internet more than 30 years ago, the metaverse will profoundly influence and change human society and form a new form of human civilization. In order to ensure that the metaverse can play the role of “benefiting” in human society rather than instigating the crisis of “alienation”. Refinement and improvement of the underlying technologies to ensure the smooth implementation of the metaverse and energy-saving applications, and the establishment and consolidation of the top-level system to prevent the metaverse from violating morality and laws are important issues and mission responsibilities that the metaverse builders should consider.</p>