Computer Buff Sees Metaverse as a Threat; and here is why.
In a recent op-ed computer buff Louis Rosenberg warns of trying to integrate virtual reality and augmented reality saying; it could alter our sense of ‘real’ reality and distort how we see life on a daily basis.
Rosenberg designed the first functional augmented reality system; and is the founder of a company called Immersion Corporation.
While he made no mention of Mark Zuckerberg or the Metaverse in his piece in the Big Think in Faulty Towers don’t mention the war fashion, he hinted at both saying; I am concerned about the legitimate uses of augmented reality by the ’powerful platform providers’ that will control the infrastructure.
More than this Rosenberg is of the opinion that the Metaverse will be the end of reality as we know it.
In addition he notes society is living in ‘dangerous times,’ and augmented reality ‘has the potential to amplify the dangers to levels we have never seen.’
In addition he says virtual reality could be used to amplify political division, ostracize certain groups; even drive hatred and mistrust.
Does he mean more than the media do already? Now that’s a theme that’s understood only too well.
One way to do this might be to tag people without them even knowing it, that only certain people can see.
There will also be no motivation for people to unplug their AR system; as they might believe it will put them at a social, economic and intellectual disadvantage.
He asks a good question; will this really make the world a better place? Or will it take the polarized and confrontational culture that has emerged online and spray it across the real world?’
Could it get worse is what he is asking?
The tech pioneer is concerned the metaverse could make many of society’s technological problems like deep fakes, botnets, and troll-farms and more worse; because humans won’t leave the digital realm.
‘With the rise of AR, this last bastion of reliable reality could completely disappear,’ he wrote. ‘And when that happens, it will only exacerbate the social divisions that threaten us.’
What’s the Difference between AR AND VR?
Virtual reality is a computer-generated simulation of an environment or situation that immerses the user by making them feel like they are in the simulated reality through images and sounds
For example, in VR, you could feel like you’re climbing a mountain while you’re at home
In contrast, augmented reality layers computer-generated images on top of an existing reality
AR is developed into apps to bring digital components into the real world
For example, in the Pokémon Go app, the characters seem to appear in real world scenarios
Not the only one worried about the Metaverse.
Meta aka Face Book is not the only big player that plans to establish the Metaverse, half a dozen other companies are already building the hard and software that will mark the next generation of virtual interaction.
The companies include Google, Microsoft, Apple, Valve and Magic Leap. Smaller start ups are likely to join them as investors flood into the market.
One source calls the metaverse a real life matrix, a digital prison and a metaverse dystopia saying; it is apt the new logo for Facebook Meta is a stylized pair of handcuffs.
“THE METAVERSE IS REAL AND WALL STREET IS LOOKING FOR WINNERS,” WEDBUSH ANALYST DAN IVES SAID IN A NOTE.
