The metaverse: Is it really the future?

Unless you have been living under a rock you would have heard of the Metaverse whilst scrolling on your social media feeds, listening to the radio or just whilst chatting among friends.

But what actually is the metaverse?

It’s often hard to keep up with the latest tech trends, so we've decided to do it for you.

To take a deep dive into the metaverse and find out if it really is the future of the internet. 

What is the metaverse? 

The metaverse is a term used to describe an immersive future version of the internet, where virtual reality and the physical world are seamlessly integrated. 

Imagine a shared virtual world where people can interact with one another and digital objects in real time.

You would have seen virtual reality glasses or headsets, often associated with 3D cinemas or gaming consoles, but now you can be transported to a virtual world that looks and feels just like the real world, but with limitless possibilities. 

You can explore, interact, and create with others from all over the world, regardless of physical distance. You could meet with a friend from another country and attend a concert - of course, all in virtual reality form. 

Speaking to ARN News, Mohsin Khan also known online as EMKWAN - Tech Expert and Content Creator, explains more. 

He elaborates on how to access the metaverse.

How are businesses using the metaverse? 

Businesses are starting to explore ways to use the metaverse, primarily for marketing, advertising and customer engagement. Conferences, product launches or trade shows in the metaverse are more popular as it allows people from all over the world to attend without physically being present. It also reduces the cost of conducting such events, compared to when organised live.

Virtual showrooms are also popular as it allows people to explore without having to physically go anywhere. Whether it's checking a new car model or a house to rent or buy, people can explore it while sitting in the comforts of their homes.

However, the most traditional reason to use the metaverse is still gaming, with the immersive mode far more appealing to gamers rather than the gaming consoles or TV. 


UAE-based tech expert and content creator EMKWAN thinks people still struggle to understand the concept of the metaverse.

How can we keep children safe when entering the metaverse? 

As the metaverse is still a growing and developing concept, there are no set rules or laws for child safety.  

However, here are some general tips that parents can use to help protect their children

1. Educate yourself: Before allowing your child to access the metaverse, make sure you understand how it works, the potential risks and the safety features available.
    
2. Use parental controls: Many metaverse platforms have built-in parental controls that allow you to restrict access to certain features, limit screen time and monitor your child's activity.
    
3. Set ground rules: Establish clear rules for your child's behaviour while using the metaverse, including what types of content are acceptable and who they can interact with, in a similar way you would monitor children on social media accounts.
    
4. Monitor activity: Regularly check your child's activity on the metaverse, including who they are interacting with and what they are doing.
    
5. Talk openly: Encourage your child to come to you if they encounter something that makes them uncomfortable or if they have any questions about the metaverse.
    
6. Be aware of scams: Warn your child about the possibility of scams and phishing attempts, and teach them how to recognise and avoid them.
    
7. Use secure passwords: Make sure your child uses strong, secure passwords and doesn't share them with anyone.

Overall, stay informed, establish clear boundaries and communicate openly with your child to help keep them safe in the metaverse.

Is it really the future of the internet?

While the concept of the metaverse has generated a lot of excitement and speculation, it is still in its early stages and its future is uncertain. It remains to be seen whether the metaverse will become a fully-realised version of the internet or simply remain a niche technology.

EMKWAN gives his take on the future of the platform.