Mark Zuckerberg believes the world of the metaverse is the future of the internet. The parent company Facebook even changed its name to Meta because it wanted to be a pioneer.
Metaverse itself is essentially a virtual place where people can interact digitally using avatars, thanks to augmented reality and virtual reality technologies.
There are those who think that the name change was made by Facebook to divert attention from some of the controversies that plagued it. For example, a leaked internal research document states that Facebook knows that Instagram is detrimental to the mental health of teenagers and also makes it difficult for Facebook to control hate speech.
"This move appears to be because Facebook is trying to distract from some of the negative reports against the company. Critics believe that Facebook is doing this because the brand is toxic. One senator called the name change cosmetic," wrote James Clayton, BBC technology reporter.
"Secondly, the Metaverse doesn't exist yet. Zuckerberg is emphasizing it as a long-term product. So a name that's completely unrelated to a major service might be a little odd. Third, we know other brands are failing. Nobody calls Google Alphabet , he added.
Former Google CEO Eric Schmidt also criticized the metaverse concept developed by Facebook/Meta. He also expressed concern about the future of artificial intelligence.
"Everyone who talks about the metaverse is talking about a world that's more fulfilling than today's -- you're richer, you're better looking, you're prettier, you're more powerful, you're faster," Schmidt told the New York Times.
"So, in a few years, people will be spending their time with goggles in the metaverse. And who will make the rules? The world is going to be more digital than physical. And that's not necessarily going to be a good thing for humans." .
Schmidt also said he views artificial intelligence (AI), which Meta uses to run algorithms across all of its platforms, as a 'false god' that can create unhealthy relationships.
"What does AI's best friend look like, especially to a child? What does AI-powered war look like? Does AI understand aspects of reality that we don't perceive? Is it possible for AI to see things humans can't?" said Schmidt.
Roger McNamee, one of Facebook's early investors, also spoke up. It's a bad idea and the fact that we all just sit and watch it like it's normal should be a concern for everyone.
According to him, Facebook should not be allowed to create a world of metaverse dystopia, especially with their dubious track record, for example regarding privacy and the spread of hoaxes. Roger also doubts the metaverse will be safe in the hands of Mark Zuckerberg.
"No regulators or policymakers should allow Facebook to operate the metaverse or cryptocurrency," he criticized.
"Facebook should no longer have the right to make their own choices. Regulators have to be there to approve everything they do. The amount of damage they have done is incalculable," he said.
