Beware of Web 3.0: Know 7 Points to Keep Your Eyes Open in the Metaverse

From the same creators of “how much Brazil fits inside Brazil”, the question “how much metaverse fits inside the multiverse” comes to the fore. This analogy between questions is explained in view of the known regional and cultural differences within our dear continental country and the possible metaverses that could compose the multiverse.

For the vast majority of the world’s population, the metaverse still inhabits the world of ideas, given that such a proposal for a parallel reality is still being built by the technical and scientific community. For this reason, more questions than answers (certainly) hang over the question.

Among the questions that inhabit my (and perhaps our) mind are: 1) does the multiverse embrace the metaverse or vice versa?; 2) do both concepts have the same meaning?; 3) web 3.0, what is this?; 4) what are the possible impacts of the metaverse on people’s daily lives?; 5) Are there any risks from its use by the user? These and more questions are intended to be answered from a brief conceptual and theoretical explanation of certain points on the subject that have been hot on the agenda in 2022.

The purpose of this text is to think with you and analyze some points of web 3.0. If you wish, at the end of the text, you can leave comments that will help in the construction of future content related to the theme. Come on?! Keep reading!

Multiverse versus Metaverse

The differences between metaverse and multiverse are conceptual. The metaverse can be considered as a parallel reality, that is, a self-contained, separate alternate reality that coexists with our own. While the multiverse can be perceived as a conglomeration of two or more parallel realities. Following the logic proposed above, each metaverse presents a single universe and can be one of the multiple universes contained in a multiverse. Sounds complex, right? 

Let’s make it easy: multiverse = X.metaverse 

Where: (X ≥ 2) ; (X = integer representing the number of times the Metaverse unit will be multiplied). 

Answer? Simple, the multiverse contains 2 or more metaverses! 

About origins of the term metaverse

The first time the word “metaverse” was used dates back to 1992, when Neal Stephenson, in the novel “Snow Crash”, visualized a kind of dystopian future and the use of virtual reality in the next generation of the internet. Oxford Languages ​​defines the term “metaverse” as “a virtual reality space in which users can interact with a computer-generated environment and other users”. Therefore, it is a concept that refers to the parallel reality, where the objective is to provide the greatest possible immersion to the user. While the term “multiverse” can be defined, according to the Oxford Reference, as a “structure that is composed of several metaverses”.

Also known as web 3.0, it designates a generation of intense and real-time user interaction, and from the immersion and interaction in the network, it is possible to connect aspects of the physical and digital world. The metaverse intends to combine existence in both realities, producing an open and expansive universe, making the transition from 2D plane environments, as we are used to on the internet, to 3D planes.

Due to the advancement of connectivity and mobile devices, as well as the constant development and improvement of software and hardware, at first, it is possible to imagine the expansion of the metaverse beyond a promising theory. The combination of various technologies such as Extended Reality (XR), Machine Learning (ML), Artificial Intelligence (AI), Blockchain, Non-Fungible Tokens (NFT), Cryptocurrency and the creation of hyper-realistic avatars are some of the reasons that make it possible. predicting that the creation of this parallel reality is not an impossible task as it seemed a few decades ago.

Concerns around web 3.0

As everything (or almost everything) that is new arouses curiosity, it is necessary to emphasize that the metaverse needs to be treated with caution. In addition to the positive points, which have been constantly highlighted by the media, there are potential dangers for users when using parallel reality.

Such risks can take different proportions in different spheres, as shown by the notes brought by the research developed by the North American company Morning Consult. The organization, between March 3 and 5, 2022, collected a sample of 4,420 adults and their considerations on topics that cross the metaverse, such as the processing of personal data, the occurrence of cybercrimes and the use of crypto-assets. Check out some of the results below:

1) 55% of American adults said that tracking and misuse of their personal data is a major concern in the metaverse;

2) The second biggest concern was cyberbullying and other forms of online abuse in the metaverse, around 44% claimed to be a major concern;

3) 39% of respondents expressed concern about their personal safety when using virtual reality;

4) 38% claimed fear of sexual harassment issues;

5) 35% of adults said they had major concerns about the mental health impacts of participating in the metaverse;

6) 36% of respondents said government regulations on the issue would be important when considering whether to enter the metaverse.

Care is never too much and this applies in any universe

It may take more than a decade for the joint effort of hardware, software, 6G, blockchain, AI, ML, XR and other technologies to shape the concept of what the metaverse is intended to achieve. It is not an easy task to develop a digital environment that is interoperable and accessible from any device, given that most people will not be able to buy specific hardware to enter the metaverse, namely the extended reality headsets. , which is why access will also need to be given to desktops, laptops, smartphones and other devices. For now, we still have a very vague idea of ​​how this new digital environment will be constituted, but, from now on, we have in mind that, for its applicability, it is necessary to overcome – at least – the following challenges:

1. Identity in the metaverse

The issue of personal identification and representation is quite straightforward when it comes to the real world, but within virtual environments, such as the metaverse, we can ask ourselves what elements make up someone’s identity. And most importantly, how to prove that you are who you are and not someone else trying to impersonate you or even a bot trying to imitate your existence. This is where reputation can play an important role in terms of authentication, as proof that the avatar you interact with is trustworthy and legitimate. The main challenge of the matter lies in the possibility of forging facial features, images and voice, with deep fakes being great examples of how this can happen. Therefore, new verification methods will be needed in the near future.

2. Personal data security and privacy in the metaverse

The privacy and security of personal data has been a long-standing concern for users in any online environment. Submerging in the metaverse will require the user to provide personal data and sensitive personal data, constantly, so that there is a perfect suitability of their avatar. In addition, the evolution of security methods will require the construction of new verification methods that are capable of guaranteeing the security of identity and possessions in the virtual world without violating privacy or undue access to information concerning the individual. With that said, care needs to be taken that personal verification doesn’t get to the point where users have to provide large amounts of personal data to identify themselves and ensure the security system works efficiently. Special attention must be directed to the safety of information related to children and adolescents in the metaverse.

3. Financial systems and property rights in the metaverse

Digital currency has been around for some time, with Bitcoin being one of the best known. The same goes for well-known marketplaces like Amazon and eBay, which connect millions of consumers around the world. There is no doubt that the metaverse will have its own version of the virtual market, connecting different real and digital currencies to allow for quick and effortless exchange. Special attention should be directed to the risks of financial fraud, requiring extra attention with bank details, credit cards and also cryptocurrency wallets, in addition to other digital assets. Regardless of currency and market format, when it comes to financial transactions, it is essential that there is a unique verification system in place to create a unified system that can be used to verify the holders of virtual assets. In this direction, it is possible to follow the example of the NFT, which represents both objects from the real world and from the digital world, granting and proving the property rights of art, music and videos.

4. Law and Jurisdiction in the Metaverse

Immersion in the metaverse will bring to the fore the question of legislation and jurisdiction, requiring countries to analyze and understand virtual legal domains. With the growing virtual space accessible to users around the world, it will be essential to identify which jurisdiction will apply. Users will be vulnerable if there are no laws that regulate and establish rights and duties.

5. Social issues in the metaverse

For many, the metaverse can become a platform to interact and form meaningful relationships. However, it is also necessary to be aware of behavioral and self-esteem risks, especially for people who intend to use the metaverse as an “escape from reality”, that is, the metaverse can be an illusory escape route for people who want to forget the world. real. Internet and gaming related addictive behaviors are already a big problem for both children and adults.

6. Notion of time and space in the metaverse

The concept of “time perception” may be different if we compare the offline world with a virtual environment, as users tend to be less aware of their bodies while inside virtual reality. Total immersion could unknowingly drive users to spend more time inside the metaverse. Due to the possibility of a distorted perception of time, it is essential to establish mechanisms that keep users in connection with the real world. The second concept that must be analyzed in the metaverse is the concept of “space”, since the metaverse proposal comprises ending the scarcity of physical space. Access to infinite space, at any time, can be a difficult task for the human mind to understand.

7. Misinformation

Possible risks of misinformation, as any environment, virtual or physical, can serve as a space for the dissemination of false information. This already happens in instant messaging applications and social networks.

Finally…

All these issues will require guidance from users for safe immersion in order to ensure users are aware and comfortable while within the virtual environment. Even if we are still only at the door of the metaverse, discussing, from now on, topics related to this parallel reality is necessary for the technology to be developed with a focus on the rights of individuals and social well-being. In addition, of course, it is essential to ensure that the metaverse is a complementary space and does not replace the real world.