We have seen an explosion in the last year regarding the #metaverse. This was once the exclusive domain of futurists, Sci-Fi lovers, and the technical crowd. Now we see it promoted on CNBC and CNN.

Sadly, it is roping people in with hype. The reality is we are nowhere close to the Metaverse. This is a transition that will take decades to reveal itself. In fact, if we look back over the life of computing, we see how this is the norm. Rarely is something an instant success.

This is even true for the smartphone. Sure, many accurately point out the quick adoption rate, especially in the developed world. However, the first one emerged in the early 1990s. It was more than a decade and a half before it even had a product that was viable for the masses.

We are going to see the same thing with the Metaverse. This is going to be a long transition away from our existing Internet. It will be more evolutionary as compare to revolutionary. Of course, all revolutions are due to evolution.

So let us explore what the Metaverse truly is and peel back the myth surrounding it.

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What Is The Metaverse?

The starting point can be to define what the Metaverse is. Right off the bat, things become unclear.

What we know is the Metaverse is thought to be the 4th generation of computing and networking. We went through the mainframe, pc, and mobile eras. The Metaverse is going to be the next iteration of that.

This means it is not so much a destination as an goal. Ww can see what that evolution looks like is up to us. It is being developed. Therefore, we have no foregone conclusion.

To truly understand what the Metaverse will be, we can point to Matthew Ball, one of the leading writers and experts on this subject.

His definition of the #metaverse quickly dispels any hype or myths regarding buying the top 5 Metaverse stocks.

Here is how he breaks it down. The Metaverse will be:

massive scaled
interoperable networks
real time rendered
3-D
virtual worlds
synchronous
persistent
unlimited users
individual sense of presence
continuity of data

Now let me ask, does that sound like anything we remotely have available to us? Do you think we will see anything like this by the end of the decade?

The Metaverse will take the Internet from a flat screen to 3-D experience. While many presume this means VR/AR devices, it could (will likely) include a lot more.

The Metaverse Is Not Web 3.0

At the same time, many want to wrap Web 3.0 in the coat of the Metaverse. They are not synonymous terms. Web 3.0 is going to be a part of the Metaverse. There will be many other facets entering the picture.

Quite a few feel that Web 3.0 is going to be a foundation. This could be true although is subject to great debate. Blockchain offers a new model for data structure along with control. This could be something we see implemented going forward.

We also see the same discussions regarding cryptocurrency. Some feel it is a given as part of the futuristic worlds we are going to create. Others argue we will quickly move beyond that as the need for data representation will be altered as our systems get more advanced.

Thus, while we can have a somewhere clear picture about Web 3.0, the #metaverse is difficult to see. The main reason for this is the timeline. We can see the emerging of Web 3.0 at the moment. By the end of the decade, we will have strong pillars in place. In fact, it is possible that, as we enter the 2030s, the foundation for Web 4.0 starts trickling out.

As stated in the past, the Metaverse can the thought of as Web 5.0. Obviously, looking at the characteristics mentioned above, this shortchanges the technology. However, as a mental construct encompassing the time factor, it appears to work.

We can seriously start discussing this subject as a reality in the 2040s. Then we will have some of the technological capabilities to pull some of it off.

Nothing Is A Foregone Conclusion

Zuckerberg is thought to jump in the lead with his conversion of Facebook to META. The only thing this did was cost the company billions. It is losing money in chase of something that is not even defined. Does this mean that it is all a waste? Obviously not. There could be some technologies that META creates which will serve it well in the future.

However, we should not believe that this is the only entity that will develop the #metaverse. There are so many different properties required, it is going to take a lot more than one company.

In fact, we have no idea what it will take. Here is where it is evolutionary. The Metaverse can be thought of as a dream. We can have a vision yet we have to admit we have no idea how that will actually unfold. After all, the Internet of today is much different than many theorized in the early days.

One characteristic we can highlight as a certainty is the Internet going 3-D. That is almost a foregone conclusion at some point. All development points to that end. Once we are 3-D capable, then the idea of different worlds does enter the picture. Of course, we can only theorize how all of this will look.

We are building the Metaverse today. Over the next couple decades, all kinds of technologies will emerge which further the pursuit. Some are in their infancy today while others are not even thought of.

A key idea to keep returning to is the 4th generation of computing and networks. Consider what that entails along with the evolution of previous generations. We are now bringing in things such as networks, WiFi, data compression, communication systems, and data structures. All of this ties into memory, processing, and rendering.

How many of these areas do you think META is working on?

Ultimately, this will take millions of people and trillions of dollars to unleash. As we know, development takes time. This is a point missed by those hyping the #metaverse.

In summary, we can make a case Web 3.0 is on the horizon. As for the Metaverse, check back in a couple decades. Then it might be worthwhile to invest in.

Do Not Buy The Hype: The Metaverse Is Nowhere To Be Found

What Is The Metaverse?

The Metaverse Is Not Web 3.0

Nothing Is A Foregone Conclusion