5 Metaverse Ideas That Could Change How We Socialize

October 24, 2022 by Mimi Phan

If you’ve seen Ready Player One, you’ve had a glimpse of what socialization in the metaverse could be like. From virtual dates to concerts and new friendships, we could be on the brink of another social disruption. Several of the biggest companies in the world are investing heavily in the concept of a metaverse, and from all the press, it’s safe to say that people are open to the idea.

Already, facts about the metaverse are astounding. Reports have claimed that sales of virtual land topped $500 million in 2021, and they could easily double this year. Like the tech and crypto booms before it, the metaverse is expected to see even greater adoption over time.

One of the biggest reasons why the metaverse became such an instant hit is because it is universally viewed as the next frontier of human interaction. While social media platforms like Facebook and Twitter have always been the standard for online interactions, the metaverse is expected to take things a step further, allowing humans to overcome distance and time barriers even further. With that in mind, it’s worth considering some of the metaverse ideas that could change how we socialize for good.

Humans As Social Beings

According to researchers, social interaction is a huge part of human nature because it allows us to understand the world better from other perspectives. It also feeds into our other behaviors, such as survival. From the start of human civilization, a sense of community has always been an important part of our lives. Even people who admittedly love being alone and have difficulties socializing tend to have periods when they crave human interaction.

As humans, we’re generally most comfortable when we feel connected to other people and can share with them. Through common stories, emotions, or memories, socialization is one of the many pillars of our current civilization.

How Socialization Has Evolved

As humans have grown and changed, socialization has also seen an interesting evolution. We’ve found ways to keep in touch with those we love while also forming relationships with new people to propel us forward.

The evolution of socialization has also been one of the primary drivers behind technology itself. Mobile phones were built so we could overcome the distance barrier and communicate with our loved ones whenever we want. And when that proved to have its own limits, messaging and social media became the new standard.

All of these and more have played a significant part in how our civilization is formed. Socialization is both a want and a need for many of us – besides the fact that many people want to meet others, there’s also the benefit of being able to access opportunities by interacting with others.

What Does A Social Metaverse Look Like?

As we explained earlier, the metaverse could potentially be the next frontier of human interaction. While there are several ways to keep in touch today, they’re limited in their engagement. Calling your parents on the phone isn’t quite the same as being able to physically be with them – even if it’s a video chat.

This is where the metaverse steps in. Socializing in the metaverse could be the closest we can get to actually being with the people we love in person.

So, what is a social metaverse? Simple – it’s a metaverse platform where users will be able to come together and share experiences. There’s just something about that added visual element in a virtual world that allows you to interact with people based on your interests.

In theory, all metaverses will be social metaverses. For most people, the entire point of going into a metaverse is to meet others and share fun experiences. And while some metaverses can have specific functions – such as meetings or even shopping – socializing will be the ultimate selling point.

Over time, we could also see an introduction of social media in the metaverse. With companies like Meta (formerly Facebook) and Snapchat investing heavily in the metaverse already, there could be a point where people can enter virtual worlds right from their social media platforms.

5 Metaverse Ideas That Could Change How We Socialize

Now that we understand the concept of the social metaverse, it’s time to consider some metaverse ideas that could change how we socialize. These applications are just the start of what the social metaverse could become, and some of them are very promising.

1. Virtual Concerts

Music lovers are in for quite the treat in the metaverse. Virtual concerts are set to be a major attraction, and some platforms have already even tapped into this.

In 2020, Travis Scott – one of the biggest acts in the music industry – had a concert for his fans in the popular multiplayer game Fortnite. The concert was a huge success, with reports claiming that it drew 27.7 million unique viewers.

While Fortnite isn’t necessarily a metaverse platform, companies have already caught on to this potential and are now building their own platforms to enable concerts.

2. Community-Building

One interesting trend that we’re seeing with the metaverse is its potential to mirror the real world. This means that there will be virtual communities in the metaverse.

What if you could build new communities and settlements on virtual land? Just like you can build a house and spend time with your family in the real world, the metaverse could allow for human settlements online.

3. Metaverse Dates

Virtual Cupid might be working overtime really soon. Love in the metaverse – what a concept! Metaverses could bring a new meaning to “blind dates,” allowing people to meet each other and then socialize in the real world if possible.

Besides dates, metaverses could even be the next hotspot for weddings. Ryan and Candice Hurley, a couple from Arizona, made history earlier this year as they tied the knot in Decentraland. And since then, several other couples have said their vows in the virtual world.

4. Remote Socialization

Not a fan of meeting people? Anxious about new experiences? Well, the metaverse also has something for you.

With remote socialization, you have an opportunity to meet new people without ever having to leave your home. You can engage with others from a safe physical distance while controlling the intimacy and proximity you have with them. And, when you finally feel comfortable enough to meet them in real life, you can take things at your own pace.

5. Virtual Hobbyist Groups

We’ve all got a few hobbies. And in the metaverse, these could easily be the foundation on which we build new relationships.

Gucci has already opened a store in The Sandbox, where people will be able to shop and try out actual clothes. Nike has also partnered with Roblox to create Nikeland – a metaverse platform where participants will be able to play mini-games like tag and dodgeball.

Platforms like these present the perfect opportunity for you to meet other people and socialize. And you can do it in an entirely safe situation since you’re not leaving your home – perfect for the pandemic era!

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