The term “metaverse” was coined by author Neal Stephenson in his 1992 science fiction novel “Snow Crash,” where he depicted lifelike avatars interacting in realistic 3D environments. Since then, technological advancements have propelled us closer to realizing a genuine metaverse—a virtual realm that integrates augmented reality, virtual reality, 3D holographic avatars, and various communication methods.
The metaverse encompasses a fusion of technologies, including virtual reality, augmented reality, and video, where users inhabit a digital universe. Advocates of the metaverse envision individuals living, working, and socializing within this digital space, participating in activities ranging from concerts and conferences to virtual world tours.
Early manifestations of the metaverse can be observed in online gaming platforms like Fortnite, Minecraft, and Roblox. Mark Zuckerberg, CEO of Meta (formerly Facebook), predicts that it may take five to ten years before the fundamental features of the metaverse become widely adopted.