26/09/22

The pros and cons of creating your office in the Metaverse

Have you heard about the Metaverse? The next big advancement in technology which allows the individual to enter a 3D virtual reality world similar to the holodeck on Star Trek. 

It means a major upgrade on your current internet capabilities and getting a high-quality VR headset but once immersed in this virtual world; you can meet people, promote and market products and services, enhance gaming opportunities and even attend art galleries, parties and concerts – all without leaving your physical location and the need to conform to any geographical boundaries.

A great opportunity?

At first glance, the Metaverse is going to provide an exceptional opportunity for businesses to spread the word about their company and allow customers to see, sample and feel products thanks to haptic technology – creating a better user experience. 

We are still some way away from the ultimate Metaverse experience but are improving and developing the technology all the time. Virtual offices are being built, and the companies behind the revolution are benefitting from big-name investors who are ploughing in the cash. 

But is it a good thing and should businesses be clamouring to create offices in the Metaverse to cash in on this new phenomenon? Here are the pros and cons:

The case for Metaverse

  • Even more flexibility for home and hybrid working.
  • Improving productivity.
  • The opportunity to hold meetings with staff and clients in virtual meeting rooms with the feeling you are actually all together.
  • Greater flexibility to market and advertise products and services without leaving home or office.
  • A positive effect on cryptocurrencies and Non-Fungible Tokens (NFTs) – buying digital products, property deeds and other assets in the virtual world.
  • The opportunity to benefit from infinitely expandable space.
  • Solve problems and visualise your business plans in 3D.
  • Remove the need for tangible buildings, offices and equipment.
  • A greater immersive experience.

The case against Metaverse

  • Lack of moderation leading to addiction.
  • Losing touch with reality and the physical world creating problems with health and wellbeing.
  • Loss of cultural diversity – no physical boundaries can easily blur connections with local community and immediate society.
  • Cyber attack – cybercrime has become a major issue in the age of the internet and social media. The development of the Metaverse could bring increased vulnerability and criminality before the knowledge, legislation and the means to combat the problems catch up.  
  • Increased risk to privacy and security, including the loss of corporate and individual data and information.
  • Hardware and connection issues – the Metaverse needs a fast and reliable connection to work.
  • The difficulty, particularly early on, in preventing the spread of virtual bullying and a toxic environment.