Perspectives of and Public Opinion on the Concept of the Metaverse

Abstract

The topic of this article is the extented reality industry and the metaverse project which is currently in the focus of interest in the business community, the media and that of experts. Important research is presented on viewpoints concerning the possibility of the metaverse emerging as a new 3D Internet based on extended reality, artificial intelligence and blockchain technologies. Also presented are the results of our own research. This research shows that there is not yet a greater user interest in the metaverse, and also that suspicion and concern about its possible negative consequences prevails among experts and the general public. The perspectives of the metaverse project are then analyzed in light of its economic potential and possible ethical implications, i.e. the consequences for users and society as a whole. We come to the realization that, although extended reality technologies have more and more application possibilities, the metaverse project demands that, in order for it to be realized, a number of technical and ethical prerequisites be met. This is the reason why the main technical prerequisite for the success of the metaverse project is to develop better and more accessible equipment (both hardware and software). Furthermore, as far as ethics is concerned, it is necessary to clearly and urgently determine the possible consequences for human beings and society. Also, we must develop a clear set of ethical principles and laws and regulations regarding relationships in virtual worlds.