#14 - Metaverse: The Interactive World Transforming Business and Gaming

The metaverse is often seen as the next iteration of the internet—a shared, immersive virtual world where users interact via customizable avatars. It’s a network of interconnected, persistent digital spaces, enhanced by technologies like virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR).
Here's a brief overview:
•Interaction: Users can socialize, collaborate, and participate in virtual events in real-time.
•Decentralization: The metaverse leverages blockchain and NFTs for digital ownership and secure transactions.
•Digital Assets: Users can trade virtual items, art and even land.
•Gaming: The gaming sector is a major component, offering immersive experiences with play-to-earn opportunities.
•Social Connection: The metaverse allows individuals to connect across geographical boundaries.
•Business: It also presents opportunities for innovative business and marketing strategies.
The metaverse has various applications in fields like healthcare, education and entertainment. However, challenges concerning privacy, security and ethical considerations need to be addressed. This digital environment offers a glimpse into a future where our physical and virtual lives become more intertwined.

Episode Transcript

(00:00):
[Music]

(00:28):
[Music]
Welcome to our deep dive into the Metaverse. We're going to try to get beyond all the hype and really explore the true potential of this, well, this emerging digital frontier, I guess.

(00:56):
We've been reading a ton of really fascinating articles, academic papers, industry reports, all sorts of things, and they all seem to be giving us different angles on how this is going to impact us.
So our goal is to equip all of you listening to see past all that hype and understand the real implications of all this, both the good and the bad.

(01:18):
It's interesting how often the Metaverse is portrayed as this like completely new invention. When in reality it really builds on decades and decades of research and development in virtual worlds.
Yeah, that's a great point.
Like it's not just rebranding, it's just technology.
We're really talking about a convergence of virtual and augmented reality creating these persistent shared online spaces that go way beyond like simple games or social platforms.

(01:50):
Just you say it's much bigger than that.
And the academic perspective really emphasizes this distinction for true Metaverse integration. We're going to need some pretty big advancements in VR and AR tech that enables seamless transitions between the physical and virtual.
Wow, that's a good thing about the level of immersion.

(02:13):
Okay.
It will be needed to make it truly transformative.
That's true. But with any new technology, like there's always this hype cycle to consider about it.
Remember second life?
Yeah.
Like everyone was talking about it and it seemed like it had so much potential.
Oh, yeah.
And I even remember tourism and hospitality companies were getting involved.

(02:34):
Yeah.
But in the end, it didn't really live up to all that hype.
No. I mean, it's a valuable lesson to consider, especially when you look at the financial side of things.
There was this huge surge in Metaverse investment.
And then this pretty significant dip, like that Metaverse index collapsed back in early 2022.

(02:57):
Yeah.
Yeah.
Which really highlights the importance of understanding these trends.
Okay.
So we can make informed decisions whether you're an investor or just someone who's curious about all this.
Right.
Trying to figure out this evolving landscape.
Exactly. Yeah.
Okay. So enough with the scary stories.
Okay.
Let's talk about the good stuff.
Okay.
So the good thing is that the marketing has the potential to completely change all sorts of different sectors from marketing to education to health care, even manufacturing.

(03:28):
I mean, let's look at marketing.
Okay.
I think the Metaverse is going to offer a chance to like move beyond that traditional, like, clicks and tracking that digital marketing is all about.
And then we can create these immersive experiences that engage customers on a much deeper level.
Okay.
Think about brands like Nike or Adidas.
Yeah.

(03:49):
They're already exploring NFTs and they're creating virtual spaces where where their customers can interact with their products in totally new ways.
I see.
Yeah.
It seems like that level of engagement would really lead to like much higher conversion rates instead of just clicking on an ad.
You could actually be virtually trying on a pair of shoes.
Yeah.

(04:10):
Or really experiencing the product first hand.
It's a whole different way to connect to the brand.
I see.
And then there's potential for really personalized experiences like imagine a virtual store that adapts to your preferences, giving you recommendations and even like co-creating products with you.
Yeah.
Based on your input.
Okay.

(04:31):
It could completely transform the entire customer journey.
That's amazing.
So it sounds like the metaverse could really make marketing more interactive, more engaging, maybe even more effective.
Okay, but what about education?
Education, right.
Yeah.
Education is another area where the metaverse could be really transformative.
Okay.

(04:52):
Imagine learning about ancient Rome by walking through the Colosseum virtually, of course.
Right.
Or studying anatomy by exploring a 3D model of the human body.
Like from the inside out.
I like it.
Yeah.
Yeah.
We can go beyond textbooks and lectures and create truly immersive learning experiences.

(05:17):
I mean, that sounds amazing, but it seems like it would require a huge amount of investment in technology and infrastructure.
Not every student has access to VR headsets or the internet to support this stuff.
It's a valid concern.
It seems like it could actually make the digital divide even worse.

(05:38):
The importance of equitable access.
The metaverse shouldn't just be for the privileged few.
That's right.
Yeah.
If we wanted to really revolutionize education, we have to make sure everyone has the opportunity to participate.
That's a good point.
Regardless of their background or their location.
Okay.
Yeah.

(05:59):
I see what you mean.
So it's not just the technology itself.
It's really how we use it and who has access to it.
Yeah.
That's a good point.
Totally.
Okay.
Let's shift gears for a second and talk about another industry that's starting to look at the potential of the metaverse.
Okay.
Tourism.
Tourism, right.
Yeah.
So think about ambient intelligence tourism where the metaverse blends physical and virtual travel.

(06:25):
Like imagine planning a trip to Rome.
Okay.
And using augmented reality to see these historical landmarks overlaid on your real time view while you're walking through the city.
Wow.
That sounds amazing.
Yeah.
Yeah.
Yeah.
It's like having your own personal tour guide.
Yeah.
But one that can like transport you back in time or give you all the details about what you're seeing.

(06:48):
And think about that example of citizen of the hotel company.
Okay.
They're creating this metaverse hotel.
A metaverse hotel.
Okay.
It's not just virtual tours or booking rooms.
Oh, wow.
It's about interaction.
Co-creation, maybe even like funding for real world projects.
That's really interesting.
Yeah.
So it's not just replicating real world experiences virtually.

(07:11):
Uh-huh.
It's about creating these whole new possibilities and using the metaverse.
Exactly.
To really enhance the way we travel and explore.
And for manufacturing, I think the potential is just as exciting.
Okay.
And for the future, I think the future is just as exciting as the future.
And for the future, I think the future is just as exciting as the future.
And for the future, I think the future is just as exciting as the future.

(07:32):
And for the future, I think the future is just as exciting as the future.
And for the future, I think the future is just as exciting as the future.
And for the future, I think the future is just exciting as the future.
And for the future, I think the future is just exciting as the future.
And for the future, I think the future is just exciting as the future.
And for the future, I think the future, I think the future is just exciting as the future.
And for the future, I think the future, I think the future is just exciting as the future.
And for the future, I think the future, I think the future,
Yeah, absolutely. It's like having a virtual factor. You virtual factor, yeah. Right, at your fingertips. Wow. Okay.

(07:59):
And this virtual collaboration could foster some incredible connections between all these different stakeholders from, you know, the customers and suppliers. Right.
To the designers. Yeah. To the engineers. Okay.
I mean, it has the potential to really accelerate innovation and improve product development.
That's really cool. In ways we're just starting to understand.
It all sounds really exciting, but I feel like we have to acknowledge.
Yeah. Like it's not all sunshine and rainbows, right? Yeah. Yeah.

(08:21):
There's got to be some downsides to all this too.
Oh, absolutely. What are like some of the risks and challenges we should be thinking about?
I think a big concern is this lack of regulation in these virtual spaces. Okay. Yeah.
We're already seeing reports of harassment. Exploitation. Even like unregulated gambling.
Yeah. There was that really scary study by the Center for Countering Digital Hate that found that miners in Meta's Metaverse were exposed to abusive behavior.

(08:52):
Like for seven minutes. Yeah. It's a stark reminder of how important it is to establish some clear rules and safeguards.
Really sobering thought. Yeah. As Imran Ahmed, the CEO of CCDH, put it, if the Metaverse is safe for predators,
it's unsafe for users, especially children. Wow. And it makes me wonder about these broader psychological risks.

(09:18):
Like could spending too much time in a simulated reality lead to addiction, mental health issues,
or even like a blurring of the lines between our physical. It's something that researchers are starting.
And the virtual line, you explore early studies suggest there's potential for negative psychological impacts, especially for vulnerable people.

(09:41):
Yeah. I see. It's a good place to stop for now. We've covered a lot of ground, I think, from the really exciting possibilities of the Metaverse to some of the potential downsides that we need to be really aware of.
Absolutely. But we'll come back to this. So welcome back to the deep dive.
Before we paused, we were talking about some of the potential downsides of the Metaverse, particularly those ethical concerns around safety and regulation.

(10:11):
Yeah. I think it's a really important reminder that as we explore all these exciting possibilities, we need to be mindful of the potential risks and challenges.
Yeah. Absolutely. We're just talking about the psychological impact.
We're talking about the potential for addiction, mental health issues, that blurring of the lines between our physical and virtual lives,

(10:33):
Yeah. And it's done it.
It's just individual wellbeing, right? Not just individuals. There's also these broader societal challenges.
So, the societal challenges to consider. Yeah. How will existing laws apply to those laws?
Are those laws going to apply to virtual spaces? What about avatar rights?
Yeah. That's interesting. Ownership of virtual assets.
Yeah. Even the potential for like virtual crime. Right. I mean, it's like stepping into this legal and ethical, like a mining field.

(11:02):
We need to think carefully about how we navigate all these complexities.
And we can't forget about the potential for like platform monopolies.
Right.
So, a few really powerful companies could dominate the metaverse, control user data and just dictate all the rules of engagement.

(11:25):
It kind of sounds like what we're seeing with social media platforms today.
Same challenges. We're facing with social media platforms.
Scary, right?
Do we really want to replicate those same power dynamics in the metaverse?
I don't think so.
So, your score is the need for open standards, interoperability and decentralized governance models.

(11:47):
We need to make sure the metaverse is truly open and accessible.
Not just another wall garden controlled by a few tech giants.
That makes a lot of sense.
Yeah.
We definitely need to learn from the past and create a more equitable and decentralized future.
Yeah, a more...
Okay, so speaking of learning from the past, we were talking about the potential of the metaverse for education.

(12:12):
I'd love to explore that.
One of the most promising aspects, I think, is the potential to create these truly immersive and interactive learning experiences.
And instead of just passively reading about historical events, students could virtually step back in time and experience those events.

(12:34):
Wow!
First hand.
Okay.
Imagine a history lesson where you could actually walk through ancient Rome, explore the pyramids of Egypt, or even witness,
like key moments in the civil rights movement, as if you were actually there.
Yeah.
You know?
It's one thing to read about it.

(12:55):
It's one thing that it's totally different.
To read about it in a textbook.
Yeah.
But to actually experience it in a way that feels real...
I mean, it could make learning way more...
Yeah, engaging and impactful.
And impactful.
It sounds like it could really democratize education.
Yeah, that's it.
Making those high-quality learning experiences available to anyone.
But we still have a lot of challenges to overcome.

(13:17):
Right.
We need to make sure everyone has access.
Yeah, that's a good point.
To the technology.
Yeah, yeah.
And infrastructure...
Because we're not careful, it could create a new digital divide.
We don't worry if your situation were only the privileged few who can benefit from.
Yeah.
It's not just the technology, it's about who has access to it.
Absolutely.
Okay, but maybe we can shift gears again and talk about another area where the metaphors could be really impactful.

(13:42):
Yeah.
Work.
Work, right?
Yeah.
The ability to collaborate in virtual environments.
Yeah.
Could transform how we design, manufacture, even deliver products and services.
I mean, I can already see how virtual meetings and all these remote collaboration tools are becoming more sophisticated.
Yeah.
Is it really that crazy?

(14:03):
I mean, it's a imagine.
Imagine entire teams.
That far fetch to imagine entire teams working together.
Blind, in a shared.
In a virtual space.
A virtual space, yeah.
Designing products, running simulations, interacting with clients all over the world.
Wow, that would totally change our whole idea of going to work.

(14:24):
Challenge our current notions of what it means to go to work.
Yeah.
It also raised all sorts of questions about work life balance.
Yeah, absolutely.
The need for, you know, skills, digital schools and even the potential for like increased surveillance and monitoring.
To these virtual, certain fires and other functions.
Yeah.
These are all important considerations.

(14:46):
I'm out of your point.
Metaverse could offer greater flexibility in opportunities for remote work.
Right.
But it also comes with new challenges that we need to be thinking about.
Yeah.
And we can't forget about like,
and we can't forget about the potential impact on jobs.
Impact on jobs, right?
As automation and AI get more sophisticated.

(15:10):
Right.
Some jobs could be lost to machines.
Yeah, that's a little scary.
Even in the virtual world.
Right.
It makes me think about the need for ongoing education.
Yeah, the retrails are very important.
And training to prepare people for those jobs of the future.
Yeah, exactly.
And the real world and the Metaverse.
Yeah.
We need to make sure it's a really,
everyone has the opportunity to thrive.

(15:34):
It's one we need to in this evolving digital landscape.
It's a complex issue, but one that we can't afford to ignore.
Yeah.
I think you're right.
The Metaverse is coming.
It's coming.
Whether we like it.
And it's going to impact the way we work, whether we're ready for it or not.
Okay.
That's why.
So it's really important to be.
It's so, it's just going to happen.
Conversations now to having these conversations now.

(15:57):
Exactly.
To be exploring these potential benefits and challenges of the Metaverse.
Yeah.
And to think critically about how we want to try something.
You shape this emerging digital world.
Yeah.
We need to be proactive.
Right.
Not reactive.
It's not something that just happens to us.
It's something in our approach to the Metaverse.

(16:18):
Now we're all reading together.
That it serves humanity.
Yeah.
Not the other way around.
That's really well said.
I completely agree.
It's about, like you said, it's about finding the right balance between.
And finding the right balance between.
Between innovation and responsibility.
And responsibility.
Individual freedom and social responsibility.
And making sure that it really reflects our values.

(16:40):
And one area where I think the Metaverse could have a particularly significant impact is health care.
Okay.
We've touched on it a bit.
We have.
But I think the possibilities here are truly mind-blowing.
I'm really interested in, like, the potential for using virtual reality.
Yeah.
For things like pain management.

(17:01):
Yes.
So VR can create these immersive experiences that distract patients from their pain.
Or that help them confront their fears in a safe and controlled environment.
That makes sense.
For example, someone with a fear of heights could use VR to gradually acclimate themselves.
Yeah.

(17:22):
Could be in high places, starting with these virtual simulations.
Right.
And then gradually progressing to real world exposures.
It's like you're almost tricking the brain into overcoming its fears.
You're acting like I create this experience that feels so real.
It's overcoming.
But it's totally safe.
It's fears.
Yeah.
That's really interesting.

(17:43):
Yeah.
And then what about using VR to train surgeons or other medical professionals?
Okay.
Yeah.
VR simulations can provide this really realistic and interactive way.
For medical students to practice procedures, develop their skills, and even...
Wow.
So they can learn from mistakes.
Learn from their mistakes.
Without putting real patients at risk.

(18:06):
But without putting real patients at risk.
A virtual operating room.
It's like having a virtual operating room right at your fingertips.
Yeah.
Where you can really hone your skills and build your confidence.
That makes sense.
Before stepping into a real world surgical setting.
Yeah.
And this...
It seems like it has so much...
Just the tip of the iceberg.
Potential to really...
The metaverse has the potential to...

(18:28):
Revolutionized health care.
Revolutionized health care in countless ways.
Imagine like doctors being able to use digital twins...
Drs.
Doctors can use digital twins of their patients to simulate...
They could tailor those interventions...
So we have two of different treatments.
And delivering interventions each individual.

(18:51):
Yeah, that would be amazing.
Unique needs.
Or one virtual support group.
Support group for people with chronic illnesses.
With chronic illnesses where patients can connect with others.
Right.
Who understand their challenges of which.
Or share experiences.
Right.
And offer each other support.
Right.
Regardless of their physical location.
Yeah.
The potential is really exciting.
Yeah.

(19:12):
It is.
But how do we...
It is.
But how do we make sure.
As with any powerful technology.
But all these advancements.
We need to be mindful.
Really benefit everyone.
Of those potential risks and challenges.
Yeah.
Not just people.
And I think one of the biggest concerns is...
Who can afford...
Making sure health care data.
The latest technology.

(19:33):
It's protected.
That's a really long-term.
In that patient privacy.
And we need to be thinking...
You're respected.
Yeah.
In these virtual environments.
We need to be able to make sure...
We also need to make sure...
Yeah.
To make sure these technologies...
They're available to everyone.
To these technologies.
Yeah.
Is equitable.
No matter what they're...
That they're available to everyone.
Regardless of their...
Social, economic, status.
You see, economic status or location.

(19:54):
Right.
We don't want to create a health care system where...
Only wealthy...
And we can afford the benefit.
And make the same mistakes that we've made before.
I couldn't agree more.
And maybe we need to...
We need to be a little more realistic.
Access needs to be paramount.
At the time...
As we explore the potential of the metaverse.
Yeah, I think so.
And health care.

(20:15):
Seems like the metaverse is still...
We need to be realistic...
About the timeline for implementation.
That's kind.
The metaverse is still a relatively new technology.
To really...
And it's going to take time to develop...
Yes.
And refine its applications in health care.
We need to approach all of this with...
It's important to me.
A healthy dose of skepticism.
Approach these advancements with a healthy dose of skepticism.

(20:37):
To demand evidence-based research...
Pre-reatured.
And just make sure that...
Evidence-based research...
The metaverse is really being used.
And to ensure that metaverse is used to benefit patients.
To benefit patients.
Or not just to generate profit.
Exactly.
Yeah.
Well said.
It's all about finding that.
It's all about finding the right balance between innovation and responsibility.

(20:59):
Between innovation.
Between embracing the potential of the metaverse.
Yes.
While also being mindful of the metaverse.
So let's shift gears and explore another area.
Yeah let's shift gears with another person
the metaphors is already making waves.
Tourism.
We've already talked about virtual tours.
We've already talked about an ambient intelligence tourism virtual tours and the concept

(21:21):
of ambient intelligence tourism.
But I'm curious to delve a little deeper.
But I want to really understand how the metaverse could transform.
The metaverse could transform.
We experience different cultures.
Different cultures.
And destinations think beyond simple virtual tours of museums and historical sites.

(21:43):
The metaverse offered these truly immersive experiences allowing you to virtually explore
different countries.
Interact with people.
So how could it?
And other cultures and even participate.
The virtual carnival events and festivals.
The streets.
Imagine being able to attend a virtual carnival in a radiation arrow.

(22:09):
And explore the bustling streets.
The Himalayas or hike.
Leaving my home.
Through the Himalayas.
That would open up so many possibilities.
Without ever leaving your home.
For people who can't travel because of you know.
Financial constraints or physical limitations or even fear of flying.
We're unable to travel physically.

(22:31):
Yeah.
Due to financial constraints.
That's a really good point.
Physical limitations.
And it could also enhance real world.
It could also enhance real world.
Travel experiences.
Imagine like using augmented reality.
To overlay information.
I'm about hand fast.
I'm about historical landmarks.
Real world you're walking through a city.

(22:52):
Imagine using augmented realities.
To overlay information about historical landmarks as you're walking through a city.
So the metaverse could make travel more informative.
Signs and menus.
And engaging.
In real time.
You even sign.
The metaverse could make travel.
It could be more sustainable.
More informative.
I also.

(23:13):
I don't really understand that.
And even more sustainable.
And more sustainable.
Well, by reducing the need for physical travel.
The metaverse could help to minimize that environmental impact and tourism.
So we could also actually protect that.
Those delicate ecosystems.
Preserve those delicate ecosystems.
And cultural heritage sites.

(23:34):
And cultural heritage sites.
By offering virtual alternatives.
By offering.
The virtual alternative to physical visitation.
I hadn't thought about that.
It's a good reminder that.
It's another reminder that.
The metaverse isn't just about.
The metaverse isn't just about escaping reality.
But also about enhancing it.
Yes.
And finding new ways.

(23:54):
And enhancing it.
And finding new ways.
To connect with.
Yeah.
World around us.
Yeah.
And it's about creating new.
Creating new opportunities.
And both economic.
Economic.
Economic and social.
And social.
That's true.
The metaverse could empower creators.
Okay.
Foster cross-cultural understanding.

(24:16):
And even contribute to a more sustainable future for tourism.
That's all very exciting.
Yeah.
But I feel like we have to acknowledge the potential pitfalls here too.
But we have to be mindful of those potential pitfalls.
There's well, like these sanitized or-
We don't want to create-
Exploited inversions.
We don't want to create-
See, yes.
Sanitized or exploited aversion in real-world-

(24:38):
Real-world destinations.
In order we want to replace-
And we definitely don't want to replace.
Real-world travel.
Real-world travel.
Altogether.
There's nothing like experiencing-
There's nothing quite like experiencing a place first.
With all the sights, sounds, smells,
With all its-
Those serendipitous encounters.
The metaverse.

(24:59):
I completely agree.
Should compliments-
Should compliments and enhance-
Real-world.
Real-world experiences.
Not replace them entirely.
It's not about choosing between virtual and real-
A really special set of balance.
Yeah, it's about finding a balance.
We're using technology too.
Okay, so that makes a lot of sense.
Expand our horizons.
Then it kind of brings us away.
While still appreciating the value of those authentic-

(25:20):
I'm regretting.
In-personity.
We're regretting.
We're regretting.
But I think we're regretting.
We're regretting.
We're regretting.
And we're-
The authentic in-person interactions.
The metaverse that I think we need to talk about.
That makes a lot of sense.
It's connection to cryptocurrency.
It's not about choosing between-
We're regretting.
We're regretting.
And selling.
But about finding ways to-
Virtual real estate.
And digital assets.

(25:41):
Yeah.
Using cryptocurrency in a way that-
But I'm still quite a little bit-
If it's only the reason expands our possibilities-
Precisely.
Really simple terms.
And that brings us to another important aspect of a metaverse.
Okay.
That's often discussed.
Okay.
a connection to cryptocurrency and blockchain technology.
- Okay.
- It's a topic that can--

(26:02):
- Yeah it can feel a bit daunting and crucial
to understand how it relates to this emerging digital world.
- Yeah. - You've heard.
- I've heard a lot about people buying
and selling virtual real estate.
- A lot about people buying and selling--
- And digital assets.
- Virtual real estate and digital assets.
- Using cryptocurrency.
- Using cryptocurrency.
(laughs)

(26:23):
- But I'm still fuzzy on the details.
- Can you shed some light on how it all works?
How it all works?
- Like in really simple terms.
- Of course.
Blockchain technology is being used to create a system
of ownership and value for those virtual assets
in the metaverse.
- Okay so in simple--
- This is led to the emergence of virtual marketplaces

(26:44):
where people can buy, sell, and trade--
- Virtual currency within a game.
- Everything from virtual land to digital art,
to even virtual clothing for the avatars.
- Trade those virtual assets across different--
- So instead of just earning virtual currency
within a specific game,
people can actually buy, sell, and trade virtual assets

(27:06):
across different platforms
and even exchange them for real world currency.
- That's really interesting.
- Exactly.
- Yeah actually.
- So it's like a whole new economy emerging
within the metaverse.
- Within the metaverse.
- And it's attracting a lot of attention.
- Yeah I can see why.
- Both from investors who see it as a lucrative opportunity.
- What are some of the risks?

(27:26):
- And from critics we're concerned about--
- Okay.
- The potential risks.
- What should we be worried about?
- Well one of the biggest concerns is the volatility
and speculative nature of the metaverse economy.
- So the value?
- The value of virtual assets.
- Could fluctuate.
- Could fluctuate.
- And there's a risk of scams and fraud.
- A risk of scams and fraud.
- It kind of sounds like the Wild West of finance.

(27:48):
- It sounds a bit like--
- Like a lot of potential.
- Or both profit and peril.
- With a lot of potential for.
- And it makes me think about--
- The potential for.
- Making existing inequalities even worse.
- It also makes me think about the potential--
- If virtual assets are becoming more valuable--
- It's exacerbating.
- Won't only the wealthy be able to afford--

(28:10):
- Existing inequality.
- Of virtual assets.
- If virtual assets are becoming--
- Increasingly valuable.
- A little in value.
- Or only the wealthy be able to afford to participate
in this new economy.
- We have to think about the social and economic implications.
- That's a valid concern.
- Yeah, I--
- Oh, it's a lot to take in.
- Yeah, it really is.
- The metaverse has the potential to completely change

(28:33):
- Right.
- So many aspects of our lives.
But it also comes with this whole set of challenges
and risks that we really need to be thinking about.
- We really do.
- We need to think about the ethical implications.
- Absolutely.
- The economic consequences.
- Yeah.
- The social impact.
- It's a lot.
- The potential for both.
- Yeah.
- Like positive and negative disruptions across all sorts of--

(28:57):
- And we need to work together as individuals--
- Existing inequality.
- In aspects of our lives and as a global society.
- It's a pretty daunting task, but also--
- The metaverse.
- Really exciting.
- Into a world that reflects our values.
- We're kind of--
- And that benefits everyone.
- At the beginning of a new era.
- It's daunting task.
- It's also--

(29:17):
- An incredibly exciting one.
- Are going to determine what kind of two--
- We're at the cusp of a new era.
- And the choices we make now will determine
the kind of digital future we create.
- Before we wrap up, I wanted to touch on one more thing
that comes up a lot.
- Okay.
- When we talk about the metaverse.
- Yeah.
- It's potential impact on the environment.

(29:38):
- That's an important consideration.
- It relies on this massive network.
- Of data centers and computers.
- Get the chance.
- All sorts of data centers and other devices.
- All of that stuff.
- All of which, consume energy.
- Uses energy.
- Right, and production and display--
- And production and display can also have--
- The these devices.
- A significant environmental footprint.

(30:00):
- Also has an impact on the environment.
- Yeah.
- So is the metaverse like destined to be--
- Is the environmental disaster?
- Zoomed to be an environmental disaster.
- That's kind of scary.
- Not necessarily.
There are things we can do to mitigate the environmental impact
of the metaverse.
- What can we do?
- For example,
we can invest in renewable energy sources

(30:21):
to power those data centers.
- So like solar and wind power.
- We can design more energy efficient devices.
- Okay.
- And we can promote the--
- To the--
- To the state of the-- - To get the--
- To get the-- - To get the--
- The metaverse. - The ecosystem.
And maybe we could even use the metaverse
to promote environmental awareness.
Imagine like virtual experiences that show people--

(30:43):
- I'm out of breath.
- The effects of climate change.
- To promote environmental awareness.
- First hand-- - Or teach them about--
- Imagine virtual experiences--
- Just anable-- - That allow people
to witness the effects.
- A really powerful tool for educating people
about environmental issues.
- And to teach them-- - And inspiring them.
- About sustainable living practices.

(31:03):
- Take action.
- The metaverse could be-- - Indeed.
- A real world.
- A powerful tool for educating people.
- That's a really hopeful thought.
- About environmental issues and inspiring them.
- It seems like the metaverse could--
- The take abs.
- Not really enhance our lives.
- A real-- - Help us create a more sustainable future.
- It's important to remember.
- Which are planning it.
- That the metaverse itself is not a solution

(31:27):
to climate change.
- It's a tool. - Or other environmental problems.
- It's a tool.
- It's a tool. - We still have to do the work ourselves.
- There will still be use.
- Yeah, for good.
- So as we wrap up--
- Or for bad.
- Our deep dive is to you-- - One more--
- The metaverse-- - The metaverse.
- Is there one key takeaway you want our listeners to remember?

(31:49):
- How we use it.
- Okay.
- I think the most important thing to remember is that
the metaverse is still in its early stages of development.
- It's a work in progress.
- Being the goal of that.
- It blank canvas.
- We're all helping it out as we do.
- Not choices we make now.
- The decisions we run in the fitness.
- The determine what kind of metaverse we create.
- A powerful thought.

(32:10):
- Yeah, it's not just about--
- Observing and analyzing.
- And analyzing. - And analyzing.
- It's about actively shaping.
- And analyzing.
- Oh, what's happened there?
- In the future of this digital world.
- We are all in the scale.
- The metaverse is not something.
- It's both exciting and a little scary.
- That's being done to us.
- Yeah.
- It's something that we can roll creating together.
- Well, on that note, I want to thank you.

(32:31):
- And that's both exciting.
- For being here and sharing your--
- And a bit daunting in sites with us.
- Would I believe?
- This has been a really fascinating conversation.
- That if we approach the metaverse with a sense of--
- And to our listeners, thanks for joining us.
- Curiosity, responsibility and a willingness.
- On this deep dive into the metaverse to collaborate.

(32:52):
- We hope you found it informative.
- And thought-provoking--
- And a digital world.
- Maybe.
- That benefits everyone.
- A world that's more inclusive, more equitable,
and more humane.
- So as we all navigate--
- Then the one we live in today.
- This new digital frontier.
- That's the dream.
Remember to stay curious.
- I believe--
- Stay informed and most importantly, stay engaged.

(33:15):
- A dream worth pursuing.
- The future of the metaverse is in our hands.
- Well said.
- Until next time, happy diving.