METAVERSE: The next generation of the internet.

EVOLUTION OF THE INTERNET The modern technology we use and enjoy today has and is still undergoing rapid changes from the start of creation. Man has always looked for ways to make life easier, better, and fun leading to innovations of different technologies. We have evolved from the use of vacuum tubes to transistors, integrated circuits, micro processors, and presently AI in building technologies that are complex and super fast. This newest technology forms the building block of Metaverse which recently has drawn a lot of attention to itself.

INTRODUCTION Metaverse means "beyond the universe". It is an interactive Virtual Reality world. It is interactive because we can live, socialize, work, travel, plays and do virtually all the things that can be done in the real life in the metaverse. The metaverse could be likened to our universe only that it is virtual. Metaverse gained traction as a result of the work-from-home policy during the covid-19 to reduce physical interaction to contain the virus. This concept became popularly known after the social media giant Facebook rebranded to meta platforms Inc. showing its complete embrace of the futuristic idea. Ever since more companies have indicated interest by investing hugely in this new technology.

TERMS ASSOCIATED WITH METAVERSE Virtual Reality: This is simply a technology that creates a virtual environment that can be accessed with a VR headset or other mobile devices.

Mixed Reality: Mixed reality is the merging of real and virtual worlds to produce new environments and visualizations, where physical and digital objects co-exist and interact in real time. Snapchat filters, virtual makeup, and furniture fitting are good examples of mixed reality usage

Augmented Reality: This is an enhanced version of the real physical world that is achieved through the use of digital visual elements, sound, or other sensory stimuli delivered via technology. This is a technology that extends the user's reality by including computer-generated, virtual information within their view.

Avatar: These are digital representatives of a user in the virtual world.

METAVERSE EXPLAINED As earlier said, people interact in the metaverse and they do this using an avatar with the aid of a VR headset or google. You could personalize your avatar to suit your taste. Metaverse is not just a gaming platform like most people think. Tons of other activities can be done in the metaverse. You could interact with people and objects, buy, sell and own properties like lands and digital assets. It is almost like playing a game of Life on the computer. In the physical realm, there is only one universe but in this fantasy world there are a bunch of different metaverses and you get to choose the one you want to interact in.

HOW CAN METAVERSE BE ACCESSED? This is a question most likely in your mind having understood what metaverse is. You can access a metaverse either by visiting a website on your computer, that takes you into a metaverse but the experience here is not quite immersive. You can also jump into a metaverse using a virtual reality headset. The most popular type of VR headset is Oculus quest 2 owned by meta platforms otherwise known as Facebook.

Even though this concept hasn't existed yet or rather is still under development, it has been argued if the effects of metaverse would be good or bad for mankind. Many believe that it is for the good while others still fear it would do more harm. So, do you think metaverse is good or bad for humanity? Let us explore the positives and negatives of the metaverse.

POSITIVES OF THE METAVERSE

1. Reduces physical and distance barrier: This I think is the most significant use of metaverse. Once in the virtual realm, physical locations become unimportant as one can get to be wherever you want to be at any time. Conferences, meetings, and classes can be held in the virtual world while in the comfort and safety of our homes.
2. Immersive experience: The metaverse provides more immersive ways of experiencing things. It gives you a feeling of being involved in activities you engage in. You get to know how products will look on you before you buy.
3. Impact on crypto currencies and NFTs: Crypto is the currency of the metaverse that is built on blockchain technology and makes for a transparent, secured, and decentralized system of transactions. NFTS are digital assets that are uniquely owned.
4. Learning becomes fun and enhanced: Learning in this virtual environment has been made fun and highly improved. Students are not only thought in a 3D but are made to feel more involved.

NEGATIVES OF THE METAVERSE

1. Reduction in physical interaction with people: More time in the metaverse means less time in the physical world. Relationships between family members, friends, and colleagues may deteriorate as everyone is busy with their world in the metaverse. Physical interaction, therefore, becomes less appreciated.
2. Risk of addiction: Since almost everything could be done in the metaverse, there is a high risk of addiction to the new technology, especially among kids and teenagers. Aside from the basics things that are needed to survive such as sleeping and eating, people are most likely to spend their entire day in the metaverse.

CONCLUSION This newest version of the internet has not been fully optimized yet. With the huge investments and fast advancement in the metaverse, future years would unravel With full optimization, the negatives of the metaverse could be improved and the other benefits discovered.