Chapter 1: The Metaverse Journey

It seems I've grown weary of the metaverse concept. Haven't we already experimented with this before? It brings to mind the days of Second Life, where we all believed we would dive into that virtual world to create businesses and luxurious homes. People were buying virtual properties like it was the next big investment opportunity. Yet, where is Second Life today? And what about World of Warcraft? Are we really calling multiplayer games a multiverse?

In my view, Roblox is currently at the forefront. It has its own currency and an overwhelming number of games—though I must admit, a large portion of them are less than impressive. Nevertheless, it attracts countless young gamers who, despite struggling with their reading assignments, are raking in virtual fortunes while navigating their avatars in a simulated world. Even Fortnite fits into the metaverse category. And then there's Minecraft. What future plans does Microsoft have for this blocky universe?

Why is META so invested in the concept of metaverses? Well, they own Oculus and Facebook, which may soon be overshadowed by the emergence of the metaverse. Their goal seems to be to dominate and brand this new digital frontier. Why not? Zuckerberg could even create his own currency within the metaverse—much like cryptocurrencies, right? But hold on for a moment.

There are two types of metaverses: the one we envision as users and the "META" version geared towards business. Imagine constructing Nike's virtual store in the next iteration of Second Life. Suddenly, you’re at the forefront, selling virtual sneakers, rare shoe NFTs, and trading cards featuring top athletes. For Mark Zuckerberg and Nike, the metaverse equates to massive profits. They might even need to mint their own digital currency to keep up with the financial flow.

Let's see how this unfolds.

Personally, I find DeFi and cryptocurrencies more promising than the metaverse. We've witnessed the downfall of previous alternative realities. Unlike the world depicted in Neal Stephenson's Snow Crash, most of us aren't eager to plug into the metaverse for business, relationships, or gaming—well, maybe gaming...

What do you think about META’s approach to the metaverse? Does Facebook have a legitimate vision, or are they merely pushing us to purchase their VR headsets in yet another sales tactic?

Final thought: The adult industry often propels technological advancements, whether or not you engage with it. Perhaps it has already provided solutions we have yet to recognize.

John McElhenney — Life Coach, Austin, Texas

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Chapter 2: Understanding Web3 and the Metaverse

As we delve deeper into the metaverse, it’s essential to distinguish between Web3 and the metaverse itself. The following video explores the differences and potential intersections between the two.

Chapter 3: Reflecting on the Metaverse One Year Later

After a year of exploring the metaverse, it’s time to assess its developments and implications. This video provides insights into how the metaverse has evolved over the past year.