The Metaverse is a complexly emergent technical/social assemblage in the earliest stages of growth and adoption. Its evolution depends upon the mindsets and behaviors, hopes and fears of people all over the world.
As such, this panel seeks to answer a simple question:
How should we study the Metaverse? How can we listen to the voices of those who will shape the Metaverse’s future?
Together we’ll:
Discover how to understand the current reality and future potential of the Metaverse
Create a blueprint to research the Metaverse’s impact on the worlds of corporate and organizational culture, learning, gaming, and more
Develop new–ethical, responsible, and innovative!—research methodologies adequate to the complexity and virtual nature of the Metaverse
Session Video
During the panel discussion, the experts shared their insights on the metaverse and its potential impact on various industries. They discussed the importance of creating a safe and inclusive environment within the metaverse, particularly for marginalized communities. They also talked about the need for collaboration among different stakeholders in the development of the metaverse, including the government, private sector, and users.
The panelists highlighted the potential of the metaverse to revolutionize the way we learn, work, and interact with each other. They discussed various use cases, such as virtual conferences, training simulations, and remote workspaces. However, they also acknowledged the challenges that come with developing such a complex system, including privacy concerns, data security, and ethical considerations.
Overall, the panelists emphasized the need for a human-centered approach in the development of the metaverse, focusing on the benefits it can bring to individuals and society as a whole. They called for a collaborative effort to ensure that the metaverse is developed in a responsible and sustainable way that promotes diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Here are the main ideas and insights discussed during the "Panel Discussion":
The Metaverse is a new technology that is still in its early stages of development, but it has the potential to revolutionize the way we interact with digital content and each other.
The Metaverse can create new opportunities for learning, entertainment, and social interaction, but it also presents new challenges and risks, such as privacy concerns and the potential for addiction.
The Metaverse needs to be designed with accessibility and inclusivity in mind, so that it can be used by people with different abilities, cultures, and backgrounds.
The Metaverse should be designed to promote positive behaviors and discourage negative ones, through features such as reputation systems and social norms.
The Metaverse can have a positive impact on the environment, by reducing the need for physical travel and infrastructure, but it also has the potential to consume large amounts of energy and resources if not designed sustainably.
The Metaverse needs to be regulated and governed by a combination of market forces, industry standards, and government policies, to ensure that it benefits society as a whole and not just a few powerful players.
The Metaverse can be used to promote innovation and entrepreneurship, by creating new opportunities for startups and small businesses, but it also poses challenges for intellectual property rights and competition.
The Metaverse can have a transformative impact on society, by creating new forms of identity, culture, and community, but it also raises ethical and philosophical questions about the nature of reality, consciousness, and free will.
Overall, the panelists emphasized the need for a holistic and inclusive approach to designing and governing the Metaverse, that takes into account its potential benefits and risks, as well as the diverse needs and perspectives of its users.
We are entering a post-reality era with a diminishing sense of safety, privacy, and trust. We need to come together to address these risks proactively and reduce harm to humans and societies. XR Safety Initiative (XRSI) believes that the first step to this is creating awareness and safeguards.
Metaverse Safety Week 2022 is a week-long safety campaign, and we need your generous support in making it a Free-for-All, Accessible & Inclusive for everyone.
“The moment to create the change is now. Together we must make it happen.”
