# Why the Metaverse Faces Widespread Criticism
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Chapter 1: The Cold Reception of the Metaverse
The announcement by Mark Zuckerberg regarding Facebook's rebranding to Meta and its foray into the metaverse was met with skepticism. Many are left wondering why this advanced technology is so unpopular.
If you're more inclined to watch than read, check out this insightful video:
To grasp the reasons behind the disdain for the metaverse, we must rewind to December 9, 2021. On this day, Meta launched Horizon Worlds in the U.S. and Canada. Adults were invited to don their Quest headsets and immerse themselves in a captivating virtual environment. They could craft personalized avatars and utilize their creativity to design community spaces from scratch. Engaging in games like Wing Strikes, users had the opportunity to soar through the metaverse.
Horizon Worlds allowed users to visit Questy’s, a virtual arcade eatery where they could enjoy snacks and socialize with friends. They could also participate in live concerts, comedy acts, and dance events. This platform represented Meta’s initial substantial venture into what the metaverse could embody, coinciding with a time when virtual reality had become increasingly affordable and accessible.
It’s no surprise that by February 2022, Horizon Worlds boasted 300,000 monthly active users, indicating that Meta was on track to hit its target of 500,000 by year’s end. However, this celebration was short-lived, as the user base dwindled to just 200,000 within the next eight months.
User Discontent
Feedback from users was far from positive. Many expressed frustration over the difficulty in locating favorite spots and meeting people. The graphics fell short of expectations, and characters appeared to float without legs, accompanied by numerous glitches.
Even within Meta, enthusiasm for Horizon Worlds seemed lacking. Vishal Shah, the VP of the Metaverse, issued memos urging employees to engage more with the platform. He emphasized, "If we don’t love it, how can we expect our users to love it? Everyone in this organization should make it their mission to fall in love with Horizon Worlds."
In response to these issues, Meta imposed a “quality lockdown” on Horizon Worlds for the remainder of the year to address various bugs and performance concerns.
The Question of Demand
Many critics argue that the performance issues of Horizon Worlds only reinforce a long-held belief: the metaverse is unnecessary and unwanted by the public.
Ambiguity of the Concept
A significant issue is the lack of clarity surrounding what the metaverse truly is. Most people remain oblivious to its definition, and even those who do know can’t seem to settle on a singular explanation. A quick online search reveals a wide range of interpretations, from the high-tech to the deeply philosophical. This confusion has led companies like Apple to steer clear of using the term altogether.
Uncomfortable Technology
There’s also a growing resentment towards the expectation that users should spend extended periods wearing uncomfortable headsets. Critics argue that to access the metaverse's best features, one must endure an expensive and awkward device.
Perceived as a Cash Grab
The metaverse is often associated with NFTs and virtual real estate, leading many to believe it’s merely a ploy for profit. This new digital landscape is seen as a gateway for tech giants and opportunists looking to exploit diminishing real-world resources.
Distrust of Meta
The apprehension towards Meta, previously known as Facebook, also plays a role. Although the metaverse isn't owned by any single entity, Zuckerberg has closely tied the concept to the social media giant, leading many to fear that it will inherit Facebook's negative traits, such as data exploitation and intrusive advertising.
The Future of the Metaverse
It's important to note that Horizon Worlds was not intended to be an immediate success. Zuckerberg has described this as a multiyear endeavor, with full realization potentially not arriving until the 2030s. However, it’s evident that numerous individuals are more than willing to witness this project falter.
What are your thoughts on the metaverse?
Chapter 2: Perspectives on the Metaverse
In this video titled "A Dose of Buckley - Everyone Hates The MetaVerse," the conversation delves into the widespread discontent surrounding the metaverse, offering deeper insights into the public's perspective and concerns.