The Metaverse V.S. The Self: Why People Join The Virtual World
Analyzing incentives to experiencing virtual reality and discussing expected AI advancements.
Photo Source: Tech4Fresher
Anyone can join the metaverse, but how many people join as their true self?
Joining a virtual space with strangers from all over the world gives people the chance to live out a different version of themselves. Hiding behind an anonymous avatar, they may customize an appearance that doesn’t resemble their own, behave differently or try new things they wouldn’t dare in the real world.
Our recent articles have discussed ways the metaverse is failing, one being the lack of purpose for people to join. This time, we want to discuss one incentive that we found: the metaverse versus the self.
Inclusivity is one main reason people opt to join. According to a global study done by Momentum Worldwide, 80 percent of people feel more included in the metaverse. It is likely that people will seek belonging and community in the metaverse when they are unhappy in the real world.
However, representation in the metaverse isn’t completely inclusive. According to Forbes, there may only be support for the binary system of genders, male or female. In order to progress in this element, the metaverse will need to expand its restricted set of avatar features.
Following inclusivity, people join to live an alter ego. According to Tidio, 54 percent of people admitted they would customize an avatar that does not look like their real life self.
People with realistic avatars tend to design for self-enhancement, improving features they are insecure about in real life. According to a study done by Science Direct, people tend to retain core identity elements, such as gender and race, but will change their hair and face. Additionally, it was found that people who create more attractive avatars will behave more extroverted online.
A third reason people join is to escape health and physical restrictions in the real world. According to Tidio, 72 percent of people with health limitations would join the metaverse for entertainment. One broad example of this situation may be someone who relies on a wheelchair in real life deciding to try skydiving in the metaverse. The virtual world allows people to try things they wouldn’t be able to experience in the real world.
However, sometimes people are just scared to try skydiving in the real world, but are more willing to participate in the virtual world where they know they can’t be harmed. According to Tidio, 61 percent of people would try extreme sports in the metaverse.
The alter ego wanting to try new things in the metaverse can also be as simple as trying a new job, enjoying live entertainment or traveling without moving. The metaverse is expected to mimic reality with more possibilities.
However, while all avatars are customizable and anonymous today, artificial intelligence will make advancements in this area in the next few years. According to VentureBeat, AI generative models will use data to develop avatars that look and sound exactly like us. The goal of this is to create hyperreal immersive experiences that act as an extension of reality rather than creative renderings.
Having found that avatars and anonymity are strong incentives for people to join the metaverse, we wonder if these AI advancements will improve the metaverse or remove part of its purpose.
Let us know what your thoughts are in the comments and why you would want to join the metaverse.
Best,
Ariana for the Don’t Count Us Out Yet Team
Virtual reality servreality.com has become a popular way to explore new ideas, participate in interesting activities, and connect with other people. People join the virtual world for a variety of reasons, from wanting to experience something that is not available in the real world to creating a unique identity and exploring creative possibilities.