Ever since the covid-19 pandemic, many parts of our lives have switched online, and socializing online, whether in the metaverse, VR, or Zoom, has become quite normal. Conferences, working, learning, training, and collaborations in the workplace have already become overwhelmingly online.
For those who are not familiar with the concept of the metaverse, the metaverse is a network of 3D virtual worlds focused on social connection. Some call it the next generation of the internet. Unlike the current internet, it’s decentralized and places emphasis on virtual experiences and activities. Some companies started to use this metaverse in their workplace, and instead of having a zoom call, people meet in virtual reality with others’ avatars by wearing devices like headsets. Some even started to use it in socializing in the workplace.
When used properly, the metaverse has lots of pros. First, it can allow employees to connect even when all workers have not fully been back to the office. By using the metaverse, employees can meet colleagues even though they’re not in the office or they’re working in another country. The metaverse also features various functions. One of them is a spatial audio system, which allows people’s voices to get louder or quieter depending on how one’s avatar is close to another’s in the virtual space. They can add more reality, unlike Zoom meetings where the focus only goes to the speaker. They might also use a digital whiteboard for visual collaboration among remote workers. Virtual games, like playing golf together or doing casual mobile games are also possible in the metaverse. Overall, it enables working or socializing even in bad conditions, not only for the pandemic but also for people who get injured or need to take care of their children.
However, like always, there are also some downsides. First, there’s physical discomfort when using VR headsets. They are bulkier and heavier than most would like. Secondly, socializing in VR could be like socializing online. Eventually, it might cause some phenomenon like Zoom fatigue. It also makes people lose real connection with people. Lack of in-person socialization is already a problem ever since the pandemic.
For some companies, VR devices have become part of the essential hardware with laptops and phones. Let’s look at the company Accenture. The global IT consulting firm purchased 60,000 Oculus Quest 2 headsets, which is Meta’s entry-level VR device. Their onboarding process now includes training that even might happen in their virtual space (the metaverse), which is called the Nth floor. On the Nth floor, they have their avatars and can talk with colleagues.
Companies want to better connect employees to others and clients using VR. They want to create a future of mixed reality, where virtual reality meld with our real world. Microsoft even aims to go beyond these avatars and turn them into actual holograms
Nevertheless, for me, I would still prefer in-person socializing. Technology can enhance human connections but never replace them. What do you think about it?
References:
https://droppgg.medium.com/the-metaverse-a-new-way-of-socializing-79155d6f9c46
I think that the metaverse has a lot of potential, but I’m not sure if it’s the best solution for socializing. I worry that it might cause people to lose connection with the real world and with real people.