The metaverse is a 3D social network. Instead of a profile, you have an avatar, just like your friends. Instead of a news feed, it has social hubs where people gather to share news, gossip, and play games.

Although the virtual environment is akin to a cartoon, for Kiernan Pearce the metaverse evokes its own compelling version of reality, one that, perhaps counterintuitively, may offer richer opportunities to meet and socialize with others than those assumed. commonly found beyond the screen.

“I’ve had more real experiences inside virtual reality than outside,” said the meditation instructor.

“You are not alone in virtual reality,” he added. “There’s someone you can walk up to and talk to. And one of the things that happens naturally is amazing…