Kirjahaku

Is the metaverse a brave new world? An immersive digital playground? The next generation of online gaming? Or just the latest manifestation of our human tendency to create other realities?Herman Narula argues that it is all of these things. His vision of the metaverse, deeply rooted in history and psychology, looks to the Egyptians, whose conception of death inspired them to build the pyramids, to modern-day sports fans whose fantasy leagues are as competitive as the real thing, and finds that humanity has always sought to supplement our day-to-day lives with a rich diversity of alternative immersive experiences. Rigorously researched, passionately argued, and written by a tech founder and creator of digital worlds, Virtual Society reveals why the metaverse offers a new universe of ideas that offers users unprecedented opportunities to create, explore and find meaning. It's an essential guide for anyone who wants to get beyond superficial headlines and understand the true shape of our virtual future.

A definitive guide to the metaverse: why it's important, why it matters to society, and how to create a metaverse that works for all of us---------------'Brimming with big and convincing arguments about where human life is heading' Arianna Huffington---------------The metaverse is a vision of how the next generation of the internet will operate. Many people believe it is the future. But what will that future look like? An immersive digital playground? The next generation of online gaming? Or just the latest manifestation of our human tendency to create other realities?Herman Narula argues that it is all of these things and more. His vision of the metaverse, deeply rooted in history and psychology, looks to the Egyptians, whose concept of death inspired them to build the pyramids, to modern-day sports fans whose fantasy leagues are as competitive as the real thing, and finds that humanity has always sought ways to supplement our day-to-day lives with a rich diversity of alterative immersive experiences.Virtual Society reveals why the metaverse offers a new universe of ideas that gives everyone the chance to create, explore and find meaning. It's an essential guide for anyone who wants to understand the true shape of our virtual future.---------------Reader reviews'This book unlocked my understanding of the Metaverse in a completely new refreshing way. This is a must read book which needs to be introduced in every school curriculum globally for our upcoming metaversial society and "fulfilment economy".' *****'I've been trying to follow what tech professionals and commentators mean when talking about the metaverse over the last two years. Herman's description of what the metaverse may become, however, is by the far the most compelling. What makes it compelling is the fact that it is routed in human history. The metaverse is not a new concept; and you don't need a degree from Cambridge to understand it.' *****

The concept of "the metaverse" has exploded in the public consciousness, but its contours remain elusive. Is it merely an immersive virtual reality playground, one that Facebook and other platforms will angle to control? Is it simply the next generation of massive multiplayer online games? Or is it something more revolutionary?As Herman Narula shows, the metaverse is the latest manifestation of an ancient human tendency: the act of worldbuilding. From the Egyptians, whose conception of death inspired them to build the pyramids, to modern-day sports fans, whose passion for a game inspires extreme behavior, humans have long sought to supplement their day-to-day lives with a rich diversity of alternative experiences.Rooting his vision in history and psychology, Narula argues that humans' intrinsic need for autonomy, accomplishment, and connection can best be met in virtual "worlds of ideas," where users have the chance to create and exchange meaning and value. The metaverse is both the growing set of fulfilling digital experiences-ranging from advanced gaming to concerts and other entertainment events and even to virtual employment-and the empowering framework that allows these spaces to become "networks of useful meaning."Bloomberg Intelligence recently predicted that the metaverse will become an $800 billon industry by 2024. But its implications, argues Narula, are far more awe-inspiring than as a spigot of cash. The arrival of the metaverse marks the beginning of a new age of exploration-not outward, but inward-with the potential to reshape society and open the door to a new understanding of the human species and its capabilities.Rigorously researched and passionately argued, Virtual Society will be a provocative and essential guide for anyone who wants to go beyond superficial headlines to understand the true contours and potential of our virtual future.