Metaverse
The Metaverse is an alternative three-dimensional virtual world. It can be accessed through a VR headset. Metaverse lets users interact with each other in an alternative setting that is very similar to reality. Using innovative digital technology, the Metaverse enables a user to interact with other virtual avatars in a virtual world. It creates an environment where people can interact with each other in their respective avatars. Some recent news reports worldwide have identified such spaces as potential spaces for crimes.
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Advantages of Metaverse
Some of the advantages of Metaverse include:
- Improbability—Through the Metaverse, Users can experience things that are otherwise considered impossible. The Metaverse can deliver lifelike experiences to people and aid them in doing the impossible. Some examples could be scaling the Himalayas, studying cells, surfing, etc. They provide virtual settings through VR headsets and let people have fun.
- Accessibility—Many people are unable to do many adventures because of cost concerns, distance, disability, etc. VR headsets and Metaverse solve these issues. They act as an alternative world where these people’s dreams are fulfilled to the maximum capacity. Metaverse can overcome physical limitations.
- Social Connections—People can attain newer and more meaningful social connections through this virtual world made by Metaverse. Metaverse is the perfect alternative for people with fewer social connections in the real world.
- Collaborations—Metaverse empowers people to create new collaborations with the people they meet in that universe. People with new ideas about technological innovations can garner new connections to develop and improve them fully through partnership.
Disadvantages of Metaverse
- Limited Participation—There is sickness associated with using the Metaverse. As the user’s natural body is situated in the real world, continuous motion inside the Metaverse can be exhausting for some users.
- Digital Divide—There is a digital divide in many parts of the world, especially India. Many people do not have access to VR headsets and the Metaverse, which is a significant issue in its popularity and accessibility.
- Potential Space for Crimes- Metaverse is very much like the real world, where bullying, harassment, and assault are a possibility. Many cases have been reported over the same issue.
Risks posed by Metaverse
Metaverse is identified as a potentially risky space for children and women. Children are identified as significant users of VR headsets for gaming and entertainment. Several cases across the globe have been reported where children were subjected to grooming and assault in the Metaverse. Recently, a woman in London was raped in the Metaverse. Crimes that happen inside the Metaverse are now commonly called metacrimes.
Metacrimes- Risks Posed in India
Some of the risks metacrimes can pose to a country like India include:
- Identity Theft- Metaverse is a deceptive place where identity theft and associated crimes are very popular. Criminals can gain access to many personal and private information from a user. India is already a hot bed of cybercrimes.
- Money Laundering- Metaverse provides opportunities for many criminals to turn their money into NFTs and make them clean. As a heavily tax-dependent state, this practice can be harmful for the economy of India.
- Crimes against Women and Children- As an alternative space that offers connections with strangers, women, and children are never safe in the Metaverse. The existing problem of increasing assault against women and children in India will further escalate in the Metaverse.
Misinformation- Metaverse is an ideal platform for people to spread misinformation about people and events. The chances of such a practice is quite high in a country like India.
