International Journal of Computer Applications |
Foundation of Computer Science (FCS), NY, USA |
Volume 185 - Number 17 |
Year of Publication: 2023 |
Authors: S.S. Thakur, Soma Bandyopadhyay, Debabrata Datta |
10.5120/ijca2023922892 |
S.S. Thakur, Soma Bandyopadhyay, Debabrata Datta . The Metaverse as a Virtual Form of Smart Cities: Opportunities and Challenges. International Journal of Computer Applications. 185, 17 ( Jun 2023), 45-53. DOI=10.5120/ijca2023922892
The concept of the Metaverse has been around for decades and refers to a virtual world where users can interact with each other and digital objects in a three-dimensional space. This idea has been popularized in science fiction novels, movies, and video games, but in recent years, it has become increasingly relevant as technology has advanced. Meta (formerly known as Facebook) announced its rebranding in October 2021, and one of the main reasons for this was to signal its focus on the development of the Metaverse. Meta has stated that it believes the Metaverse could be the next big thing in computing, and it plans to invest heavily in the development of this technology. The Metaverse has the potential to change the way people live, work, and interact with each other. It could enable us to attend virtual events, work remotely in a virtual office, and shop in virtual stores. While the concept is still in its early stages, Meta's investment in the development of the Metaverse is a significant step forward in the realization of this vision. With companies like Meta investing heavily in the development of the Metaverse, one can expect that the technological future will shape the way people live, work, and entertain themselves in urban society. The fourth industrial revolution, which has been characterized by the integration of technologies such as Virtual Reality (VR), Artificial Intelligence (AI), Internet of Things (IoT), and big data, has been driving these changes. The COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated the adoption of digital technologies, with remote work and online shopping becoming the norm for many people. This trend was already happening in cities due to the pursuit of the smart city agenda, which aims to use technology to improve urban services and enhance the quality of life for residents. As people move towards a more technologically advanced future, it is crucial to consider the potential social, economic, and environmental impacts of these changes. While these technologies offer many benefits, such as increased efficiency and convenience, they also raise concerns about privacy, security, and job displacement. It is essential that policymakers, businesses, and communities work together to ensure that the benefits of technological advancements are shared equitably and a sustainable and inclusive future for all can be built.