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Many hundreds of thousands if not millions of people from all walk of life now inhabit one or more virtual worlds. Some ‘visit’ these worlds for short periods of time whilst others spend almost all of their days and nights immersed in these worlds. The picture opposite gives example of just a few of these worlds. In all of them individuals interact with other individuals online in some way. In most cases you can speak (voice) or chat (text) in world. In some of them you can purchase things and take part in online experiences. Some simulate the real world ( Second Life) others a combat environment (MW3 or Battlefield). Some like MS Flightsim try to model real world flight. Some individuals become involved in groups that simulate in real time the operation of an airline ‘ they are very real’ World of Warcraft is a fantasy world however the individuals populating it are very real.
In all of these virtual worlds you can if you choose have very real experiences that are just as meaningful as in the real world. If you think about how much of you life you spend ‘within your own thoughts’ you may begin to understand where I am going with this.
If you spend your waking life in a virtual world interacting with other humans and achieving personal fulfilment , does it matter how you do it? Some might say ( I have heard it) “get a life” “its not real” and so on. In Second Life for example, many people make real and very good livings. Some Second life inhabitants have become real millionaires from their virtual business’s! More and more these virtual worlds are connecting in real ways with the real world. Predictions about the future foresee where our virtual and real lives become one. We shall seamlessly move from one world to the next.
WHAT IS A METAVERSE?
The Metaverse is our collective online shared space, created by the convergence of virtually enhanced physical reality and physically persistent virtual space,[1] including the sum of all virtual worlds, augmented reality, and the Internet. The word metaverseis a portmanteau of the prefix "meta" (meaning "beyond") and "universe" and is typically used to describe the concept of a future iteration of the Internet, made up of persistent, shared, 3D virtual spaces linked into a perceived virtual universe[2]. Source Wikipedia.
Just Another Day -
The day had started well; I was hoping it would end well. I arrived at my destination at about 7 o'clock. I was in the process of orientating my thoughts and a friend called, "Hi! Want to come over to my house", "sure why not" I replied. A short while later I arrived.
As I entered the house I noticed some new pictures on the walls, "wow! They are fantastic" I said. "You have been busy, your house is looking like home now". We chatted for a while, whilst watching the sun set over the distant horizon, this particular evening it was beautiful, just a few clouds and a deep orange glow to the sun. The day was getting better.
"How about we go shopping, then on to a club later" my friend said, "Cool! Yes I would like that, what do you need to buy", "some trousers to match this top" my friend replies.
We arrive at the shop in no time at all. After some searching my friend see's a dress she likes. "But, we are here for trousers, I declare", "Hmmm, I like this dress, what do you think?" she asks. "I like the Grey version; I think it will suit you and its only 350.00". Without hesitation she purchases the dress, "so much for trousers" I say, she giggles. When she tries it on it does look fantastic though, it fits perfectly. Still, clothes always do on her model like body.
"OK, let's go to the club, Amezzo! Ok for you", "Yes, fine" I reply. The club is close by, and within seconds we are there. The DJ is playing really good house music, just what we need to relax at this moment in time. The club is amazing, large, well decorated and the music and light systems are top of the range. It is just starting to get busy, The DJ was from Austria, in fact there is a real multinational mix in the club, but you would not know that by just looking at the people there. It's amazing how all types mix in these clubs, seems like they have no national or racial identities, everyone is sort of equal, the same in some way. It is so refreshing and must surely be the way of the future.
We dance and talk for ages, the music helping with our happy mood. After several hours we decide to spend some time on the beach just a short journey away, although it could easily be a million miles away, such is the difference in the feel and environment. There is a great beach bar and club at this spot and we often come here when we see each other. We finish the night together listening to more sedate chilling sounds and talk some more.
Time seems to fly by here in this beautiful place, and before we know it, it is time to head home for sleep. We hug and say our goodbyes, looking forward to another day, hoping it will be as nice as this one.
