The potential of the metaverse: When science fiction becomes reality
The idea of the metaverse is not new and has its roots in the science fiction literature of the 1950s. In the 1992 science fiction novel "Snow Crash" by Neal Stephenson, the term "metaverse" was used for the first time to describe a virtual, real parallel world. Put simply, it refers to a kind of collective virtual space created by the convergence of physical and digital reality. In this virtual universe, users can interact through avatars and even buy and sell digital goods. The metaverse is based on technologies such as virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR) and blockchain.
The metaverse is often seen as the next generation of the internet and has the ability to fundamentally change the way we interact and do business. Even if most metaverse worlds today still have a comic book look and seem like a new gimmick on the World Wide Web - rather than serious technological progress - Joost van Dreunen, professor at the NYU Stern School of Business, never tires of reminding us: "For a long time, people referred to cars as horseless carriages or cell phones as cordless phones. We move forward by looking in the rearview mirror. We define the new in relation to the old. However, this is usually only a phase. Over time, it evolves - and the new becomes something of its own."
The importance of the Metaverse therefore goes beyond pure entertainment. It offers the opportunity to experience social, professional and economic activities in an immersive and interactive way. In the future, the metaverse could also offer the natural cosmetics industry a platform where consumers can experience, test and buy products virtually. After all, up to 60 percent of millennials are already considering purchases in virtual worlds2.
Don't leave the metaverse to conventional cosmetics brands
The unfolding of the metaverse brings with it a wealth of possibilities that could revolutionize the way we interact and do business. One key aspect is the creation of immersive experiences: VR and AR technologies allow users to immerse themselves in virtual worlds and experience products in a 3D environment before making a purchase. In the traditional cosmetics industry, several brands have already gained metaverse experience, including L'Oréal, Clinique and Buxom.
[2] Source: www.snipp.com/cosmetics-industry-trends