The term “metaverse” is often used to describe a virtual reality space where users can interact with a computer-generated environment and other users. It is essentially a collective virtual shared space, created by the convergence of physical and virtual reality. This space is not just limited to the internet as it is now, but is also inclusive of augmented reality and virtual reality.
In this space, users can interact with each other and the environment in real-time. They can form a representation of themselves, often in the form of avatars, to carry out activities similar to those in the real world such as socializing, participating in events, playing games, conducting business, and more.
The idea of the metaverse has been popularized in science fiction and cyberpunk genres, with books like “Snow Crash” by Neal Stephenson and “Ready Player One” by Ernest Cline. In the business and tech world, companies like Facebook (which rebranded to Meta Platforms Inc. in late 2021), Microsoft, and others are investing heavily in technologies that aim to realize the concept of the metaverse.