Metaverse: The digital world that is changing the way humans live

In recent years, the world has witnessed a leap in virtual reality technology, especially the expansion of the concept of the “Digital Parallel World” that combines reality with advanced technology. This has brought about significant changes in how we trade, learn, work, and even entertain ourselves.

Why the Metaverse Matters in Our Daily Lives

The importance of this virtual environment is not just theoretical. Reflecting on the COVID-19 period, it became clear that online technology became a lifeline for society. Students could continue learning from home, employees could work remotely, and businesses kept operating.

The metaverse is thus seen as the next evolution of the digital society because this technology allows people to create “virtual” experiences that feel real. Not just statistics on a computer screen, users can converse, participate in activities, conduct business, and even build virtual relationships as if they are in the same room.

The Clear Definition of the Digital Parallel World: The Metaverse

The term “Metaverse” comes from combining two words: “Meta” (meaning a higher level) and “Verse” (universe). The concept of a virtual environment was first proposed in Neal Stephenson’s science fiction novel in 1992, titled “Snow Crash.”

Essentially, the metaverse refers to a 3D digital environment where users can interact through virtual avatars (avatars), characters created with advanced graphics. Users can create contracts, trade digital assets, build environments, and even generate real income within this world.

Unlike traditional internet, where users merely “search” for information, the metaverse is a space where users “live” and “interact” continuously. This world is not just a single platform but an interconnected ecosystem linking multiple platforms.

Key Technologies Driving the Advancement of the Metaverse

The operation of the metaverse relies on various technologies working in harmony:

Communication Infrastructure (5G and 6G) - High speed, low latency, and network stability are essential foundations to enable millions of users to connect simultaneously.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) - Creates realistic interactions, helps develop NPC environments with human-like behaviors, and manages personal data.

Blockchain and Decentralized Management - Provides true ownership to users, allowing them to possess and trade digital assets like NFTs and real currencies.

VR/AR Technologies - VR (Virtual Reality) simulates complete environments, while AR (Augmented Reality) overlays virtual elements onto the real world, such as video calls and navigation.

Applications of the Metaverse in Various Fields

Education

Students can explore space by virtual solar system exploration. Medical professionals can practice surgeries through 3D simulations. Education is no longer limited to physical classrooms.

Industry

Factories can design machinery, test production processes, and troubleshoot using virtual simulations before actual materials, saving costs and time.

Healthcare

Doctors can consult remotely, perform simulated surgeries, or monitor patients through real data. Telemedicine is no longer distant.

NFTs and Digital Currencies in the Metaverse: The Economy of the Parallel World

As seen from the rise of digital currencies since late 2021, the metaverse needs its own economy. People buy digital assets, rent virtual land, and sell art in the form of NFTs.

Key currencies in the metaverse include:

• Sand Coin - The native token of The Sandbox for trading items.
• Mana Coin - The currency of Decentraland for virtual land transactions.
• AXS (Axie Infinity) - The play-to-earn game token.

With increasing users and acceptance, these currencies have the potential to appreciate in value.

Accessing the Metaverse: Devices and Methods

In reality, most people have already entered the metaverse unknowingly through various devices:

VR Headsets (Oculus, PlayStation VR) - Provide full 360-degree immersive experiences, feeling very realistic.

AR Glasses (Ray-Ban, Microsoft HoloLens) - Display virtual information over the real world, such as video calls and navigation.

Electronic Devices (Smartphones, Tablets, Computers) - Access virtual worlds via applications.

How to Invest in the Metaverse

Investors can benefit from the metaverse through several avenues:

1. Technology Stocks

• VR Equipment Manufacturers: Meta, HP
• Graphics Card Companies: Nvidia, AMD
• Software Developers: Unity, Roblox
• Cloud Service Providers: Amazon, Microsoft

This approach carries less risk because these companies also have other businesses.

2. NFTs and Digital Land

Investors can directly purchase virtual land, digital artworks, or virtual equipment on these platforms. Ownership is verified via blockchain.

3. Digital Currencies of the Metaverse

Investing in tokens related to the metaverse, such as Sand, Mana, SOL, AXS. Note that this method carries high risk.

Challenges and Opportunities

Opportunities: The world is moving into the metaverse era. Leading platforms are developing, and investors who can get involved now while technology is still evolving have potential.

Challenges: The technology is not yet 100% mature. Most platforms require significant investment to achieve stability. Legal and security issues remain unclear.

The Future of the Metaverse

Further development depends on advances in internet infrastructure, transitioning from 5G to 6G, and the advent of Web3, which will bring increased efficiency and realism.

Most importantly, the trend shows that the metaverse is no longer a distant concept. Online platform usage is increasing worldwide, especially among students, workers, and entrepreneurs. Once this technology succeeds, the global economy could undergo a major transformation.