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Co-Existence of Our Universe and the Metaverse

In 2021, Mark Zuckerberg launched the idea of a new era for the internet, where our bodies would immerse in a new virtual experience called the metaverse. The “deep feeling of presence” through a multi-sensory experience in every place and in every moment would revolutionize our communication and social connections.

A metaverse is a virtual world or shared space that is created by combining virtual and augmented reality, as well as other forms of digital media like games, social media and other online platforms. It allows users to interact with one another, participate in interactive experiences and explore a vast, interconnected digital landscape. The metaverse is frequently portrayed as a multi-user virtual environment in which people can interact in real-time and feel as if they are physically present.

A metaverse, in theory, would provide a unified, integrated experience across multiple devices, platforms and physical locations. Users will be able to access a shared digital space from any location, at any time and with anyone. This would open up new avenues for social interaction, commerce, education, entertainment and a variety of other human activities.

While the concept of a metaverse has been around for a long time, recent technological advancements such as virtual and augmented reality, 5G networks and cloud computing, have made it easier to create and experience it. Experts believe that the metaverse will change the way we live, work and interact with one another in the same way that the internet changed the way we communicate and access information. However, the development of a metaverse raises serious concerns about privacy, security and ownership. As the metaverse grows in popularity, it will be critical to establish clear rules and regulations to protect a user’s rights and freedoms. To understand, in simple words, what the metaverse is, here are a few points to remember:

Cover of the May 2023 issue of The Teenager Today featuring Nikhat Zareen, Saweety Boora, Lovlina Borgohain and Nitu Ghanghas.

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Dr Avinash De Sousa is a Consultant Psychiatrist and Psychotherapist based in Mumbai. He is the Founder of the Global Society for Digital Psychology and the Founder-Trustee of the Desousa Foundation.

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Pooja Vora is pursuing a Masters in Clinical Psychology and is keen on researching on newer dimensions in psychology.