As 2021 closes out, everyone has their eyes set on the future. Will 2022 bring flying cars and teleportation? Unlikely. However, the near future will soon welcome the emerging trend known as the metaverse. A virtual reality like users have never experienced yet before, this concept is ready to breakthrough in the digital age. The futuristic, immersive concept will change the way human interaction is conducted and opens the world to an infinite number of virtual communities founded in authentic connection.

What exactly is the metaverse?

Pinpointing a singular, comprehensive definition for the metaverse is an impossible task. Broadly put, the metaverse refers to the future of the digital age. For the purpose of this blog, the metaverse encompasses the concept of the internet brought to life through the means of virtual reality and artificial intelligence (AI) technologies. Within the internet lives endless streams with the opportunity to connect, work, play, shop, and more. Fueled by user-generated content, the metaverse is a shared space for millions of people to add to the digital, mixed-reality conversation. Thanks to incredible technology in the modern digital age, the metaverse allows the everyday, ordinary person to transcend into a virtual space where the entire world, and essentially more, is within a fingertip’s reach.

Even if experts consider the metaverse as the ‘way of the future,’ they are disregarding the fact that the components of the metaverse are already in play within our modern society. Zoom, Microsoft Teams, Facebook, Instagram, and more are just a few examples of many that illustrate the virtual communities currently existing and thriving in the 21st century. The metaverse will complement those existing digital assets and enhance the lives and experiences of those who subscribe to virtual reality technologies. 

The History of the Metaverse

In 1992, science fiction author Neal Stephens dubbed the term ‘metaverse’ with the release of his sci-fi, cyberpunk novel Snow Crash. The novel invited the world into this idea of virtual reality with the passing of time into the future.

Fast forward to the present day, the futuristic concept has reentered the conversation as Facebook CEO and Creator Mark Zuckerberg announced the social network’s plan to rebrand under a new name, ‘Meta.’ Standing at the forefront of the emerging trend, Zuckerberg leads the initiative to a streamlined, digital world that unifies, connects, and creates a stable foundation for the virtual reality to succeed and take shape.

Why is the metaverse the new wave of the future?

The past year and a half have illustrated the need for the metaverse now more than ever. With stay-at-home orders and quarantines across the globe due to COVID-19, the metaverse replicates what takes place in the physical world and optimizes the user experience in a seamless virtual reality right to people’s homes. Miss seeing your favorite artist on tour? Fear not! The metaverse and its virtual capabilities include interactive, entertaining features such as concerts, social outings, vacations, and trying on clothing at the virtual shopping mall.

With the increased use of technology and digital communication, comes the overwhelming desire to have limitless options to interact, engage, and ultimately experience life in a brand new way. The most optimized, seamless user experience is at the forefront of priorities for early adopters of the metaverse, like Mark Zuckerberg. It is unsure what exactly is in store for the metaverse, but one thing remains certain: Many professionals are already hard at work bringing this dream to (virtual) reality.

Missing working in an office? The metaverse brings the (virtual) office to YOU!

For the past 14 years, Hoffmann Murtaugh has operated as a fully-remote agency that values authentic collaboration. As working from home has become increasingly more popular and commonplace, there is a want for more diverse options in the remote work experience. The metaverse takes a Microsoft Teams meeting and transforms the platform into a digitally immersive event that nearly replicates an in-office setting. All without the long, dreadful commute and early wake-up times!

The future advancements of technology promote virtual societies and workplaces in which coworkers and teams can increase collaboration and productivity while maintaining flexibility for the needs and wants of their remote employees. The metaverse will continue to meet the needs of the working class to ensure everyone is working in an environment that they are comfortable in. 

The metaverse welcomes millions of job seekers across the world to apply and land jobs at any company that has bought into the digital workplace, thanks to the given nature. This creates a deep talent pool, so employers have the best possible team members working in a given specialized interest or company. A win for both employers and their employees! Working in a virtual simulation brings coworkers together in ways never thought of before.

Now that we’ve shared a taste of what is in store as the metaverse develops, it is time to go to work and learn how businesses can optimize their relationship with clients and customers through this new way of virtual connection. As the trend and initiative take shape, we can only hope that it creates a more unified society full of meaningful interactions and success.