September 2022
Users interact with the Metaverse using avatars, which are artificial characters that they create, moving through the virtual space and chatting with other avatars using the user’s real or artificially processed voice. There is no specific requirement for the avatar to be human in shape, allowing users to interact with the Metaverse with their desired appearance and gender without any hindrance.
Even for people who are tired of interpersonal relationships and have chosen to distance themselves from society, the Metaverse has the potential to lower barriers to participation in social activities and provide a healing environment. People engaged in ongoing endeavors, such as rehabilitation or study, are more likely to continue their pursuits when cheered on by a virtual character, even if it is controlled by a very simple AI. It has been found that sex is significantly increased. We expect more Metaverse users to turn to AI-powered virtual characters for therapy and comfort.
Barrier-free society provided by Metaverse
The Metaverse has the potential to be an effective technology to achieve the important SDG of building sustainable cities and communities, and the increased social participation of people with disabilities, which is critical to achieving this goal. Enable active participation of older people. It is expected that the construction of a barrier-free society through the Metaverse will make great progress. Increasing the economic participation of people with disabilities, the elderly, and socially withdrawn people improves the quality of life for these people and their families, while also providing a valuable workforce and consumer base. It should bring benefits to society by providing the following. In order to use the Metaverse to build a better society, it is necessary to complete economic exchange within the Metaverse so that people can earn income, purchase goods and services, and earn a long-term living within the Metaverse. It is desirable to do so. Metaverse.
Metaverse as an extension of corporate activities
Economic activity in the metaverse takes many forms. There is a movement to move some social and corporate activities, such as business negotiations, internal meetings, and seminars, to the metaverse space. Companies can also make money by hosting concerts and seminars in virtual spaces. Concerts and other events in the Metaverse can offer experiences not possible at real-world concerts, including free viewing angles, immersion, and production effects that can only be achieved in a virtual environment. Shifting some corporate and social activities to the Metaverse will make it easier for people with disabilities to attend higher education and find employment, lowering the barriers to social participation.
Economic activities unique to the metaverse
Some economic activity within the metaverse is not directly connected to the outside world. Users can buy and sell avatar designs, clothing and accessories for their avatars in many Metaverses. Some metaverses prohibit monetary transactions, while others have their own cryptocurrencies. New forms of employment are also emerging, such as hiring part-time workers who use avatars to provide guidance and explanations at events held within the Metaverse.
It’s probably too early to make the Metaverse your life’s work.
Currently, only a few hundred thousand people are participating in economic activities in the Metaverse, and the scope is still limited, so using the Metaverse for your life’s work is considered dangerous at this time. As the number of users grows, they seek to establish more secure payment systems and transaction rules that allow them to earn income within the Metaverse and purchase products and services in the Metaverse Shop.
Summary from Nomura Reports “Metaverse and SPE Industry (3): Solving Social Issues” (March 2022) and “Metaverse and SPE Industry (6): Love of the Meatverse” (April 2022)