Tag Archives: ethics

Into the Metaverse: The Good, The Bad and the Ugly (Part I: The Good)

Into the Metaverse: The Good, The Bad and the Ugly (Part I: The Good)

Every few years a new phrase is pushed through marketing channels and trendsetters of all kinds, out into public consciousness. Recently, there has been one that particularly stands out as defining an emerging digital industry: The Metaverse.

Anybody who has read much science fiction, or played videogames, will know that this concept is hardly a new one even though packaged as such. Originating in 1992 with Neal Stephenson’s novel Snow Crash but perhaps more widely known through the recent cinematic adaptation of Ernest Cline’s Ready Player One, the concept has seen steady development and is an often-seen trope in science fiction across all mediums; even if not always under that specific name.

As our use of computers and smartphones becomes universal and the global economy more interconnected, there has been a resurgence in the idea of a more all-encompassing engagement with online worlds. The rise of social media, accessible VR and the interoperable persistence afforded by cryptocurrency and blockchain technology converge into what is being seen as the next evolution of our online lives. This begins with the recent emergence of so-called Web3 that combines everything into a cohesive whole, bringing together socialising, entertainment, learning and increasingly our work or business environment, but it will quickly become even more immersive and central to our lives.

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Venus: A Cyberpunk Short Film

Venus: A Cyberpunk Short Film

Over the years, this site has contributed to a number of crowdfunding projects that speak to the same themes and ideas as those presented here. The cyberpunk short-film Venus is one such project, that has gone on to receive numerous accolades and festival awards since its release in 2021.

I’m pleased to say that you can now view the short in full, as it has been uploaded to the Dust channel on YouTube that ‘presents thought-provoking science fiction stories, exploring the future of humanity through the lens of science and technology’. Quite a fitting channel to showcase on Future Conscience!

Enjoy the Venus film below and you can also read our review of the short, as well as an interview with its Director that took place during the post-production process before initial release on the festival circuit.

Cross Marker

What are the Ethical Boundaries of Virtual Reality?

What are the Ethical Boundaries of Virtual Reality?

In February we saw clips of a Korean TV show in which a mother was reunited in virtual reality with her young daughter who had passed away.  It made for emotional viewing, perhaps overwhelmingly so. The footage showed how VR can now provide experiences that speak to the deepest parts of the human condition.  ItContinue Reading

Are You Mobilising TODAY to Oppose TTIP?

Learn about TTIP today, contact your MEPs on phone, email, social media right now. Make a stand and be counted!Continue Reading

The Technology of In/Equality – Blog Action Day 2014

Today is Blog Action Day and this year we are looking at ‘Inequality’. In the spirit of the futurist ethos, I thought we could look at a few technologies that help exalt some of the poorest communities and mitigate inequality around the world…Continue Reading

2013: The Year of the Futurist

2013: The Year of the Futurist

Futurist thinking is starting to become mainstream. We need a world filled with futurists – so are you ready to call yourself one?Continue Reading