Will the Metaverse Be the Downfall of Humanity?

The metaverse will be the downfall of us all.

The metaverse is the devil.

The metaverse will turn us all into zombies.

These are just some of the opinions I’ve heard regarding the metaverse and the effect it will have on society as we know it.

Is it really that bad?

Will it truly be the downfall of humanity??

Let’s take a look…

What is the Metaverse?

In an article on usatoday.com, titled, "Everyone wants to own the Metaverse[…], (by Mike Synder and Brett Molina) the metaverse is defined as “a combination of multiple elements of technology, including virtual reality, augmented reality and video where users ‘live’ within a digital universe.”

It is pretty much a virtual reality, fantasy world.

What Are the Fears?

Many people feel the metaverse will be used as an escape from actual reality and that many people will leave the real world for the seemingly easier to navigate metaverse.

Some believe that in the metaverse you can do and be whatever and whoever you want. You can take on any persona you choose.

For some, it will be a way to ignore the hardships of everyday life and escape into a fun, perfect fantasy world where everything goes your way.

Critics fear the result of this escapism will turn us all into isolated hermits that live devoid of any human interaction, and that we’ll all be soulless, mindless, beings with no compassion or empathy for our fellow man.

Will it Truly Be the Downfall of Humanity?

Metaverse supporters argue that it’s the wave of the future and a way to expand and enhance our current world experience by integrating technology with real-world elements — while we know the critics only see doom and gloom.

So do I think the metaverse will be the downfall of humanity??

While I do consider myself a conspiracy theorist, and I am always concerned about the future of humanity, I see both sides of the metaverse argument.

It can be, but it doesn’t have to be.

Like anything in life, we have to be sensible and be responsible about how we choose to consume and navigate it.

Pros and Cons

At one time, people thought television would be the downfall of humanity and turn us into mindless zombies.

Then people feared the invention of the microwave and many thought that everyone would start dropping dead due to too much radiation exposure.

Also, let’s not forget that not long ago, everyone was freaked out about the internet and artificial intelligence and how technology and machines would begin to take over the world.

While many of these fears were justified…it’s all a matter of perspective.

While it’s true television has contributed to the “dumbing down” of society in some ways, it’s also a way that many have become educated about various topics, different cultures, and differnt parts of the world, and an array of things going on in the world that we wouldn’t have had such up close and personal access to before. Moreover, yes, the entertainment is a plus.

And while we don’t truly know the long-term effects of microwaves, I don’t think anyone is dropping dead overnight due to using them; and let’s be honest…they’re quite convenient.

Ok, and yes, many of us were skeptical and fearful about the internet and AI initially, but technology has become such a huge part of our daily lives, and whether we want to admit it or not, so many of us would be lost without it.

The internet, and the technology associated with it, such as smartphones, has made our lives so much more efficient, and just plain easier and more convenient.

While we can still argue that the internet has made us lazier and more disconnected, it has also exponentially enhanced our knowledge base!

We can get the answer to anything within seconds. So we have to admit, it has its benefits as well.

Final Thoughts

Our world is constantly changing and rearranging and although we hate change, we might as well get on board because it’s happening whether we like it or not.

Plus before you know it, these changes will be making their way into every aspect of our lives, as far as our work life, social life, and home life.

If we don’t at least try to be somewhat open, we can easily get left behind.

Nevertheless, I don’t think we should all jump in headfirst.

It’s ok to just dip your pinky toe into the water and get a feel for the temperature first.

Furthermore, like all other past technological innovations, just be mindful and responsible and don’t go off the deep end.

Hopefully, the same way you learned to monitor and balance your television, internet, and social media usage–while not allowing yourself to consume too much, and taking breaks when needed–you’ll exercise the same caution and wisdom when navigating the metaverse.

If you didn’t exercise caution and restraint in the past, I strongly urge you to do so going forward.

Just keep in mind…everything is about perspective.

It’s all in how you view things. If you keep a healthy mindset about the future while incorporating wisdom, balance, and caution, you’ll be fine…just like we always have been.

No, we haven’t been perfect, but the good majority of us have always managed to come out ok.

I have no doubt it will be the same this time around.

Just have faith.

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