metaverse
Shared virtual realm
The metaverse is a proposed immersive virtual environment where people interact through digital avatars—working, socializing, and transacting in interconnected 3D spaces.
The term combines "meta" (beyond) and "universe," suggesting a reality beyond physical existence.
Though the concept dates to 1990s science fiction, it gained renewed attention when Facebook rebranded as Meta in 2021: Companies are investing billions in metaverse development.
Whether the metaverse will become a unified digital realm or remain a collection of separate virtual worlds is still unclear.
Digital user representation
- simulationImitation of real processes
- platformRaised flat structure
- cyberworldDigital domain of interconnected networks
- virtualityState of being simulated
hologram · immersion · presence · interactivity · embodiment · telepresence · NFT · web3
Digital user representation
- questSeeking journey for something
- multiplayerInvolving multiple participants
- MMORPGMultiplayer internet adventure game
- sandboxEnclosed play area
loot · guild · raid · esports · PvP · leaderboard · skins · in-game
Collective of connected people
- interactionReciprocal action between parties
- avatarDigital user representation
- networkingBuilding professional relationships
- collaborationJoint intellectual work
socializing · profile · messaging · groups · meetups · co-presence · gathering · hangout
Interconnected computer systems
- connectivityState of being linked
- bandwidthData transmission capacity
- serverOne who attends tables
- cloudAtmospheric water vapor mass
latency · streaming · protocol · peer-to-peer · interoperability · data · encryption · nodes
Imitation of real processes
- simulacrumImitative stand-in for reality
- BaudrillardPhilosopher of simulated reality
- hyperrealityRepresentations supplanting the genuine
- postmodernSkeptical of metanarratives
identity · reality · unreality · embodiment · presence · authenticity · illusion
Simulated immersive environment
- ARTech blending real, virtual
- hapticOf touch perception
- sensoryRelated to perception
- headsetWearable audio device
360-degree · lifelike · vivid · presence · embodiment · XR · immersion
Point where values explode
- transhumanismTech-augmented evolution philosophy
- holodeckSimulated reality chamber
- cyberpunkDystopian tech-noir fiction
- dystopiaImaginary terrible society
utopia · sci-fi · speculative
avatar
Digital user representation
- simulationImitation of real processes
- platformRaised flat structure
- cyberworldDigital domain of interconnected networks
virtuality · hologram · immersion · presence · interactivity · embodiment · telepresence · NFT · web3 · blockchain
avatar
Digital user representation
- questSeeking journey for something
- multiplayerInvolving multiple participants
- MMORPGMultiplayer internet adventure game
sandbox · loot · guild · raid · esports · PvP · leaderboard · skins · in-game · spawn
community
Collective of connected people
- interactionReciprocal action between parties
- avatarDigital user representation
- networkingBuilding professional relationships
collaboration · socializing · profile · messaging · groups · meetups · co-presence · gathering · hangout · emotes
internet
Interconnected computer systems
- connectivityState of being linked
- bandwidthData transmission capacity
- serverOne who attends tables
cloud · latency · streaming · protocol · peer-to-peer · interoperability · data · encryption · nodes · 5G
simulation
Imitation of real processes
- simulacrumImitative stand-in for reality
- BaudrillardPhilosopher of simulated reality
- hyperrealityRepresentations supplanting the genuine
postmodern · identity · reality · unreality · embodiment · presence · authenticity · illusion
VR
Simulated immersive environment
headset · 360-degree · lifelike · vivid · presence · embodiment · XR · immersion
singularity
Point where values explode
- transhumanismTech-augmented evolution philosophy
- holodeckSimulated reality chamber
- cyberpunkDystopian tech-noir fiction
dystopia · utopia · sci-fi · speculative
- Digital Ageapp, blog, emoji, hashtag, meme
- digital spaceschatroom, website, homepage, inbox, cloud
- digital thingsavatar, chatbot, AI assistant, virtual pet, NPC
- imaginary worldsdreamland, fairyland, wonderland, fantasy realm, dream world
- interactive mediavideo games, video game, apps, interactive fiction, mobile apps
- Neologismsselfie, blog, vlog, podcast, hashtag
metaversereal world
Tangible everyday existence
physical world · meatspace · physical reality · IRL · nature
metaversebulletin board
Surface for pinned messages
print media · plain text · analog media · email · radio
metaverseisolation
Complete separation from others
solitude · disconnection · digital detox · wilderness · hermitage