I’m not goint to lie. Attending the Taco Bell Metaverse Wedding was a so creepy. I always associate weddings with intimacy and touch, and that just isn’t something possible at this junture in time. Unless of course maybe you have access to a system that registers touch, but those gigs are very pricey.
I think what I found most disturbing about this event was that it did a poor job of emphasizing the beautiful family and cultural interconnectedness of traditionl Indian weddings. I’ve been to several of these wedding celebrations in my life, and everyone of them were steeped in religious meaning and was held at a temple. Something seemed disconnected to me.
Other issues I can see people encountering while using the metaverse are listed below:
- Accessibility: While the metaverse offers an exciting new way to interact with others, it is still limited by the user’s access to technology. For instance, not everyone has a powerful enough device or internet connection to access the metaverse (case in point, me! I had difficulty getting my older Macbook to connect to the event). Additionally, those with disabilities may face barriers in accessing and using the metaverse.
- Privacy and Security: In a virtual world where users can create their own avatars and interact with others, privacy and security are major concerns. Users may share personal information without realizing it, and there’s always a risk of hackers gaining access to personal data. Plus, with virtual assets like NFTs gaining value, there’s a risk of theft or fraud.
- Social Issues: Just like in the real world, the metaverse is not immune to social issues such as bullying, harassment, and discrimination. Since users can remain anonymous or use fake identities, it can be challenging to enforce rules and regulations that ensure everyone feels safe and respected.
- Content Moderation: With the metaverse being a vast and open platform, it can be tough to regulate and moderate the content that users create and share. There’s always a risk of inappropriate or offensive content being shared, and it can be a challenge to remove it quickly and effectively.
- Ownership and Governance: As the metaverse grows and develops, questions of ownership and governance will arise. Who owns the virtual real estate, and how will it be regulated? How will disputes between users be resolved? These are all issues that will need to be addressed as the metaverse continues to evolve.
Having said that, companies are already using the metaverse for advertising and entertainment!
One way companies are using the metaverse is by hosting virtual events. Think product launches, concerts, and conferences that take place in a virtual space. It’s pretty cool because it allows people from all over the world to attend without actually having to physically be there.
Another way companies are using the metaverse is by creating branded experiences. Imagine being able to interact with a company’s products or services in a virtual space. For example, Coca-Cola made a virtual vending machine in a blockchain-based metaverse where users could buy virtual Coca-Cola.
Companies can also advertise within video games that exist in the metaverse. And since these games can have a massive audience, it’s an excellent opportunity for companies to get their message across. For instance, Roblox allows businesses to create in-game ads that are tailored to specific audiences.
Influencer marketing is another way companies are using the metaverse. They can team up with influencers who have a presence in the metaverse to promote their products or services. For instance, Nike partnered with a popular Roblox influencer to launch a virtual sneaker line within the platform.
Finally, companies can buy virtual real estate within the metaverse to create branded experiences or advertising opportunities. This way, they can create a unique and interactive experience for their customers. Burberry even purchased virtual real estate in the game Bazaar to host a fashion show.
In summary, the metaverse is a new and exciting way for companies to engage with customers, but with that comes other human issues that should be addressed head on, early and often. It may not be for me, but I can see how I can learn from dabbling with the technology at my own leisure. Who knows, maybe my fears will slowly subside. We shall see. Only time will tell.