FT News Briefing Who made up the metaverse?
Dec 23, 2021
Madhumita Murgia, FT's European technology correspondent, dives into the fascinating intersection of science fiction and technology. She discusses how the term 'metaverse' originated from the 1992 novel Snow Crash and its impact on today’s tech landscape. The conversation highlights cultural differences in AI perceptions, contrasting Western fears with the optimistic views found in Japanese media. Murgia also shares insights on China’s emerging sci-fi authors who critique surveillance capitalism, blending nostalgia with cautionary tales about our digital futures.
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Metaverse Origins
- The term "metaverse" originated in Neal Stephenson's 1992 sci-fi novel Snow Crash.
- It's surprising how a fictional concept has become a serious investment for tech companies.
Metaverse Investments
- Tech companies like Facebook (Meta) and Microsoft are investing heavily in the metaverse concept.
- Microsoft has already integrated a form of the metaverse into its Teams software.
AI in Sci-Fi
- Western attitudes towards AI are largely shaped by sci-fi films like The Terminator.
- This often portrays AI as a destructive force that could potentially eliminate humanity.
