Insta Stories, Messenger & FB Get Metaverse Updates & Focus On Inclusivity

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If anyone felt that stories about the upcoming metaverse were just a collective bunch of hot air, Facebook and Instagram parent company Meta has just provided the latest indication that the move is well and and truly on the way. In a series of updates to Instagram Stories, Messenger and Facebook, people can now make use of 3D avatars, and although it’s only available to people in America, Canada and Mexico for now, rest assured that the rest of the world will soon join up.

As inclusive as it gets

These avatars will be as close as possible to their real human counterparts. That means that when users post their virtual selves in stickers, feed posts, profile pictures and other Meta platforms, they can include new facial shapes and assistive devices like cochlear implants, hearing aids and wheelchairs. It’s a move meant to indicate that Meta is aware of representing users with disabilities.

Of course, this metaverse is still mostly a concept, but announcements like these show that Meta is more than committed to the idea. As Mark Zuckerberg said, “one day you’ll have multiple avatars ranging from expressive to photorealistic”. It’s a nice touch that allows as much user customisation as possible, ensuring that people from all walks of life are represented as best and accurately as possible.

Research stage, but concerns remain

The main concern for some people is that the metaverse will become a place that replaces the real world, and while it seems that it would be best experienced in virtual and alternate reality spaces, platforms like phones and computers are where we consume this type of media at this point in time and for the foreseeable future. Therefore, it only makes sense that some of the building blocks for the metaverse are anchored in the tech we’re experiencing today.

After that, it will be easier for us to adapt and accept the brave new world that is being built. This is not to say that this is a good thing or a bad one; it’s simply the direction we’re headed. The good thing about Web 3.0 and the metaverse is that since it’s still at concept stage, it can be better designed to help deal with certain issues, like online bullying, cyber security, mental health and so on.

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Basically, this is an opportunity to build the safest and most enjoyable online experience possible. Whether Meta and other associated companies actually do that remains to be seen.

Are you excited to see these new additions to social media? Tell us your thoughts in the comments!

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