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The future of the Internet is here, and I don’t want it.
Enter, the metaverse.
In case you missed it in the Halloween craziness, less than two weeks ago, Facebook and everyone’s favorite ginger, Mark Zuckerberg, announced that the social media giant was reestablishing itself as…Meta. Which, for my wordsmiths out there, is ancient Greek for “beyond.”
That’s because Zucky is shifting all of their efforts and attention into creating the metaverse…the world beyond the internet.
A digital world where people can socialize, work, play games, teleport, exist through their own personal avatar, have a virtual home, purchase virtual clothing and virtual things like NFTs (one-of-a -kind virtual goods called Non Fungible Tokens), and basically…live, virtually.
And if that sounds like a Black Mirror episode of The Sims come to life, well…you’re absolutely right.
I watched all 1.5 hours of Zuck’s official announcement video — which has been viewed nearly 2 million times — along with numerous other breakdown videos about this grand vision of tomorrow’s virtual future. And I’ve got four words, for ya, Mark: I don’t want it.
Here’s the thing: This immersive digital space with avatars that socialize, where you can buy different avatar skins, and clothes and accessories and whatnot…that’s already here. It’s a thing. That’s what “gaming” has become. And it’s popular. The game, Fortnite is just one example of these virtual worlds, and people have logged over 10.4 million years playing on its platform. Yes, read that again. 10.4 million years worth of time, playing a virtual game.
This is not some science fiction fever dream. It’s happening. Now.
To be honest, listening to Zucky describe this virtual world, where you can have your own virtual dog, and your own custom designed avatar which you use to interact with other people’s avatars, in custom, perfection-pushing virtual places where you can design your own picturesque setting, and soundscape and life…it just made me feel so eerie.
And sad.
I mean, first of all — yeah, it’s intriguing, I’ll admit. And dang impressive that we’ve advanced technology so much to be able to actually achieve such a thing. But the thing they’re not mentioning, is that, sure, you may be interacting virtually in this space, but what they’re not showing you in this flashy — and awkwardly I’m-trying-really-hard-to-make-this-relatable video, is that the people behind those avatars…their physical bodies are clumsily in a room somewhere with a VR headset on, flailing their arms around, and bumping into things.
And sure, the goal is to make all this available with regular looking glasses, but where will that ultimately lead? If we’re supposed to spend all this time in the metaverse, what’s going to happen to our actual bodies? Is it going to be like the sci-fi movies, where we’re all in oxygen – saturated pods, or sensory depravation chambers, physically existing only to live virtually?
I didn’t like it one bit. Not to mention the very God-like power it gives, not only Zuckerberg, but each and every one of us — creating our own universe, and recreating our bodies as avatars in this alter-existence.
That’s what I kept thinking about during all of this: Where is God? Sure, maybe good can come out of this…like all of our avatars are able to attend church together virtually, or you’re able to have fellowship virtually with people’s avatars from all over the world, but gosh — that just sounds like a dismal way to live, doesn’t it?
And frankly, I feel like it’s taking God, and His incredible gift that is this magnificent earth, for granted.
All the sights and intricacies, and sunsets, and blades of grass with fresh morning dew, and butterflies on flowers, and the warm breeze on a summer afternoon, and a snowflake landing on your nose, and that first warm rain that smells like spring, and majestic snowcapped mountain tops, and warm sand between our toes….all of those things God created out of love for you and me, and we’re just dismissing it, to live in our own creation.
Not to mention our physical bodies! Each one of us is masterpiece — a work of art, handcrafted by the most meticulous Artist. Every pore on our face, the way our eyelashes curl. The twinkle in our eye when we smile, the warmth of a loved one’s touch. The freckle pattern on our nose. The curvature of the small of your back. The way your nose crinkles when you laugh a certain way. Those beautiful, “God-prints” on us simply cannot be recreated digitally. They do not translate. God’s magnificence cannot be captured in megapixels.
It’s like, we’re saying to God…Your creation is not good enough. I can do better.
It just felt really really wrong.
And it raised some serious questions in my mind:
What will the ramifications of the Metaverse be?
Truly.
What is it going to do to personal relationships? What is socializing going to look like? Because I’ll tell you what: cooking for people is my love language, and if I can only offer a friend “virtual lasagna,” somebody’s gonna hear about it.
But truly. What will become of our interpersonal skills? The bottom line is this: we are social creatures. We were created to love. Social interaction is in our very DNA. That is who we are as a people. And it is really scary to think of a world where virtual interaction will replace our intrinsic need for being together.
Not to mention the joy of being physically together with people? I love hugs! I show affection through touching a friend’s arm, or being an actual physical shoulder to lean on. What fun is a dinner with friends if no one is actually eating or drinking real food, and you’re in a room with a headset on, alone! I want to hear you laugh, smell your cologne, touch your physical hand!
And the other thing…it sounds incredibly expensive. With outfitting your avatar, your virtual home, your virtual real estate with virtual things that all cost money — it’s sounds really expensive. And I’m afraid this is just going to create an even deeper financial division between those who can afford this “privileged secondary existence,” and those who cannot.
What is it going to do to our physical fitness? Our bodily safety? The future of jobs? If everyone is in their headsets, with their head literally in the cloud, somebody is going to have to be here in the real world, making sure it functions – which could create another level of class hierarchy.
What’s it going to do to our kids? Parents are already at their wit’s end trying to limit screen time for their children, now what? I fear the days of playing in the woods, and having a childhood that involves muddy sneakers and grass stained knees is sadly a thing of the past.
And lastly, what impact will the metaverse have on our faith? What’s going to happen when life becomes so artificially curated and perfect, that people either, a) forget about God, or b) believe He’s no longer needed?
If we can control absolutely anything and everything in this “world beyond,” where does God fit in?
That’s the dystopian allure: its intrigue will suck people in, only to become slaves to it.
I have great fear for the Internet’s next chapter.
And sure, maybe twenty years from now, I’ll read this back, and it’ll be like someone saying that the Internet would never catch on, or that an engine car would never replace a horse-drawn carriage, or that electricity must come from the devil.
And that’s fine. If that’s the case, then I’ll eat my humble pie, and tip my hat to Mark – the then-will-be zillionaire – Zuckerberg.
But as it stands now, I don’t want the metaverse. Not in the mainstream. Let’s leave it in the gaming world, where it belongs.
“This is what the Lord says to these bones: I will make breath enter you, and you will come to life.” Ez 37:5
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113 responses to “Metaverse – The *Dystopian* Future”
Yes Metaverse is a future Facebook to Meta I like your post thank you so much you so beautiful
thank you friend. Hugs and love xox
Wow, such good reading, Caralyn, thank you for explaining what this nonsense is. I too want zero to do with this. I’ve always despised FB and never used it. I kind of vindicated in that decision! Zucky is crazy in my opinion, totally bent on building his empire of hard-leftist control of everything. Guess what, Mark, you can’t take your wealth in any earthly form with you when your time comes…
thank you so much John! I’m glad you enjoyed the read! Yeah, it’s pretty wild, huh? And i agree – zero to do with it! And you’re right – there’s certainly power hunger with Mr. Z. amen to that! thanks for stopping by! Hugs and love xox
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Thank you for this very insightful article as I am dreading the ‘Wall-E’ like state people will become. Whew….
Thank you friend – you’re right – it’s eerie!! Hugs and love xox
I’m with you – do not want. Ready Player One is good entertainment, but I don’t want it to become a *lifestyle*. Snd I’m sure my subculture would be the first to ruin it. Not among the first – the first.
I’m all for correcting our disconnected American culture and living life realistically and in person versus virtually in an expanded denial of reality.
Hi Galby! Thanks for sharing your thoughts on this. Yeah – do. not. want! I agree – in person life is much more rich and full than virtual! Hugs and love xox
Meta also means “dead” in Hebrew. Also, the symbol of an eight on its side is an occult symbol for infinity. I was going to suggest a dive down the rabbit hole on symbolism, but the website no longer exists. I wonder why…
I read a sci-fi book series many years ago in which what you’re describing was how the world ended up as well as other worlds colonized by humans. I was going to say it was by Asimov, but I’m not sure. It seemed bizarre when I read. Now it’s scary!
Don’t want it? Opt out. I finally deleted my seldom-used Facebook account.
Existing in pods physically to live virtually? Hello Matrix! Except we’re the “coppertops” powering Zucky/Meta instead of the machines. Holy smokes! Weird sci-fi stuff that could never happen now is! Lord take me now!
Human contact! Remember the first time we met? I was expecting handshakes, but you hugged me. When we parted ways you gave me this long hug that left me feeling comforted when I didn’t even know I needed comforting. How will that ever happen between people…excuse me – avatars?
Lasagna!! That’s my kryptonite. Julie makes a killer lasagna. I can’t imagine a world without it!
Thanks for actually prompting a trip down memory lane for me, thinking back to growing up with only 3 TV stations, no internet, and lots of grass stains!! Love and hugs!!
Absolutely nothing can replace an actual hug, and actual people. I agree with you. In fact, WordPress is the only social media thing I do.
amen!!
Me too. I’ve made a few good friends here.
All I’ve gotta say, is never underestimate the power of a hug!! haha I remember those hugs well! But you’re so right, Jeff. Human contact is vital for living. Growing up, my family would never let our “hug-meters” get too low before another hug was needed. 🙂 And W.O.W. That is truly frightening about the hebrew meaning and the symbolism…Makes me want to grab my crucifix and yell “get behind me satan!” I mean, maybe that’s a little dramatic, but….is it??? Thank you so much Jeff for this powerful insight. Wow wow wow. Scary times we’re living in! Sending big hugs to you and your girls! xox
Not too dramatic at all! We’re talking ETERNAL life and death here. Satan comes after us on so many fronts that raising the shield of Jesus to protect us is the only real option! Yeah, that parting hug really affected me. I still say God did something for me through you that time. I’m hoping there will be another opportunity to see you as well as Steven, your mom, and the rest! Hugs and love to you and yours!
True!! And oh my gosh you’re right about that – all of these things are potential footholds for him — playing into pride, envy, greed, sloth, you name it! and gosh, thank you for say that. I will truly cherish that Memphis trip for the rest of my life 🙂 so very grateful! yes! absolutely! Hugs and love xox
Everything you said!!
That does indeed sound chilling. Count me out, as well. I like my REAL existence!
Chilling indeed! Thanks so much Jan. I’m with ya there – real existence! Hugs and love xox
For lack of a better word (and because I am basically fed up with all this mess), I would use a simple adjective to describe this “meta.” It is simply stupid! I have better things to do with my time than sit in front of a computer screen and pretend that I am some whatever it is he is babbling about! I actually am embarrassed for this man. How absolutely lonely and foolish he appears in his video. I know he is a billionaire, but I think he is just plain sad. It is stupid. Absolutely stupid!
Hi Jenny Grace! I agree. no thank you!! And that was my exact thought too — how lonely one must be to desire such an existence. It is really quite sad. Thanks for sharing your thoughts! Hugs and love xox
Have a blessed week.
you as well!
Thank you for articulating this so well, Caralyn! The whole Metaverse thing really bothered me, but I had a hard time figuring out exactly why. You hit the nail on the head. Thank you for always sharing your wise and insightful perspectives !
Hi Mackenzie! Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts on this! Same here! When I first heard about it last week, it didn’t sit well with me either, and I couldn’t figure out why, until I really sat down and “dug into it” today. Watching the video, and seeing Zuckerberg himself describe it – it really made it come into focus. Little things he said, or images that were on it (that I screenshot and put in this article) were pretty haunting and explained my uneasiness. Thanks for stopping by! Hugs and love xox
Amen, Caralyn. I completely agree with you. I don’t want anything to do with that. Plus it’s just one more way for the Big Tech oligarchs to control us. I got off Facebook way back in 2012 because of the depressing mind control and lack of privacy. This Meta thing takes it to a ridiculous and very dark level. Very dystopian indeed! People need to get away from all this virtual reality stuff and live life for real. And you are right, it pushes people further away from God, and we don’t need anymore technology doing that to us. God bless!
Thanks so much Ryan for sharing your thoughts on this! Same here – nothing to do with it! You were smart to get off of Facebook when you did! That was really the beginning of the end with the social media machine. Live life for real — you hit the nail on the head!! so glad you stopped by! Hugs and love xox
Agree with your analysis, BBB. Zuckerberg’s dreamy future is reminiscent of novel, ‘Ready Player One,’ with its dystopian future wherein people fool themselves with virtual reality because the real world is in such bad shape. I guess Mr. Z is looking for more fame and money.
Thank you Paul! You’re the second person to mention “Ready Player One!” I have not read/watched that! but i want to now! You’re right – everyone is looking for an escape. Thanks for stopping by! Hugs and love xox
My opinion is that Meta is too big already and should be broken apart, not added to. Amazon as well. That said, as an older person in chronic pain, it’s sometimes appealing to think I could spend some time in an alternate universe… but I’d probably rather read a book…
Hi Paula, I agree – these are behemoth companies! That’s a very interesting perspective, thank you for sharing that! and I’m sorry you’re in chronic pain! that makes me so sad to think about! praying for you@ Hugs and love xox
Thank you! I wish you all the happiness in the world. Love your glowing pics 💖
thank you again 🙂 That gentleman definitely brings a smile to face that is hard to wipe off! hahah
Did Second Life and the Sims have a baby? Zuck has done it again. I’ve never played second life but its apparently a game that unhappy people play to escape from reality #escapism, and the sims… well, the sims is a great game don’t get me wrong. But Meta? I’m too old for this. I agree with @PaulaLight that Meta is too big already.
RIGHT?! It’s wild how it’s like a video game come to life! I’ve gotta say, I don’t like it one little bit!and i agree- a whole lot of escapism going on here. Hugs and love xox
My husband says he doesn’t mind the concept of Meta and that it’s the direction that this world is heading in. The concept of VR games via social media is genius, but I don’t think the world needs it. Sure, it’s a cool concept and and sort of a spin off of Pokémon Go’s concept of interacting with technology IRL. I just don’t think it’s worth releasing Meta into the universe when we ourselves have a lot of evolving to do still. Humans really don’t need this Meta right now, or ever.
Kinda fascinating but I don’t want the Meraverse either. Give me real. Real friends, real food, real affection and real love and a real connection to nature. The Dystopian future needs to stay in books and games. God created us to have a real life, not one that’s marketed and manipulated. Much love 🙏💜
Hi Miriam, thanks for sharing your thoughts on this. amen! real all the way!! Leave that for the science fiction novels. God’s universe is the one I want to live in too! Hugs and love xox
While I share your opinion , and I prefer reality , I’m wondering how many people will want this virtual existence? I think it will take years for it to be a widespread thing. Like you said , too expensive. But more immediately worrisome than Meta is the Biden plan to transform our country with massive social programs and spending during a time of rising inflation . They are clueless!
Thank you so much PK, for sharing your thoughts on this. I agree – it will be really interesting to see how many people buy into this. Worrisome indeed. And you’re right – the spending is out of control. what ever happened to fiscal responsibility?! Spot on. so glad you stopped by! Hugs and love xox
I agree with you. Too much power over masses of people is being consolidated in the hands of too few without safeguards.
Hi Ian, thanks for sharing your thoughts on this. You’re right -waaaay too much power indeed.It’s scary to think where all of this could be headed! Lord have mercy! Hugs and love xox
Yes. Exactly. This. This is why I was doing so poorly emotionally during COVID; hanging out with friends by video chat just isn’t the same. And what about all the kids whose school careers were completely ruined by not being able to interact with friends or teachers in person for over a year… Sadly, the world has already been turning into this for years. People are oblivious to their surroundings, because all they know how to do is look at screens. No one wants to meet romantic interests anymore except for using dating apps.
I loved the book Ready Player One (the movie was decent, but the book was much better), but if you really look at how it ended, the Metaverse-like world in that book is clearly not healthy or ideal.
Hi Greg, thank you for sharing that. You’re so right – video chats and virtual relationships just simply don’t cut it. Not for our inherent need for social interaction. I so agree – we are unhealthily attached to our phones, it’s scary! Interesting – several people have mentioned Ready Player One. I have not seen it, but I want to now! Hugs and love xox
It’s good. It’s a brilliant love letter to Generation X pop culture set in a dystopian near-future. There’s a sequel that I haven’t read yet; I plan to soon.
This post is an eye-opener. Thanks for enlightening me on the Metaverse and its negative impact on real-life social interactions.
Hi Chris, thank you for sharing your thoughts on this. You’re right. it’s pretty frightening to see where the people “in-the-know” plan to drive this ship. frightening. it makes me wonder what their ultimate goal actually is. Hugs and love xox
You’re welcome.
The world is such a fabulous place (even with all its issues) why would you need to replace it with a virtual one? Sorry Mark but count me out.
Hi Sheree, thank you for sharing your thoughts on this. I agree – why replace the beautiful world God created for us!?! Same here! Hugs and love xox
Hugs and love back Caralyn
xoxo 🙂 🙂 🙂
Dear Caralyn,
I hope you had a wonderful trip back in Ohio. Thanks for sharing this. I remember I was watching a documentary on the World of Warcraft game and how popular it was and why. One interesting thing about some online games was the ability to help some people actualize and to feel they were able to do something virtually even if their physical bodies could not. For example, they might have a muscular or nerve disease which saps their strength.
Unfortunately, we often forget that we are sinners but for the grace of God. What might be a good thing will be corrupted and gaming can be addictive. I know because I myself play an hour each day and it can really suck me in. I cannot speak for others but limits and self discipline are so essential that it might sound legalistic to others.
I agree with you 100000%. No way will I join this Meta. It is so fake. It is in sharing our pain we are most real. We have never met face to face, but I can see the real you whenever you share your struggles and how Jesus met you where you were, past the false self. It too happened to me last year. I was in a new church small group and for the first time ever I mentioned my struggle with OCD and this girl said that I became more real to her. Funny how pain always works.
I experienced repeatedly that when we invite others into our struggles, that is when the true connections are made.
Hope you have a great week.
Hi friend, wow, thank you for sharing this interesting perspective! That is so true – good things can become twisted and warped into something corrupt, and I believe the enemy is at the helm of that. I admire your self discipline! And I agree – it is that vulnerability that connects people. And i’ve got to say, I’m so happy for you that you had the courage to share that at your small group. It’s beautiful how you were able to touch that girl’s spirit just by being open and honest and vulnerable. way to go, friend. amen! that’s true connection! you as well, have a wonderful Tuesday! Hugs and love xox
xoxo to you too. 🙂
xoxo 🙂
I saw a movie called something like “The Jones’ Unplugged.” A couple had become so busy making a living they worked all the time, barely had time together, and when they started texting each other while they were both home but in separate rooms — they knew it was time to change things. So, when they got home in the evening, the cell phones were turned off, the laptops were put away, and they began actually talking to each other – again. The way they did when they first met. It was a bit of a temptation to “cheat” and use the phone or laptop when they thought the other wasn’t paying attention. But, love prevailed, and they continued to be “device free” while at home, spending time together – face to face. Then, when they invited friends over, everyone was asked to put their cell phones in one of those glass cake holders while they were there – guests had to follow house rules!
And eventually, everyone loved it.
I’m old enough to remember not having car phones (let alone cell phones), laptops, computers at home, and people with pagers were doctors. And we were just fine. Spending time with family and friends was more meaningful. The TV was the only electronic device in most households, besides a radio. I was 7 years old when my dad bought a TV, and all the shows were in black and white. Cartoons were on all morning Saturdays.
We really can live without all this “social” technology. We can do without Facebook – Meta, TikTok, Twitter, Snapchat, Telegram, Amazon, Google, and all the others. They are made for one thing and one thing only: To make money. And though they may make money legally, most make it unethically with little regard to privacy.
We must stop sacrificing personal, face-to-face contact for convenience, and stop giving away our privacy.
Device free at home. wow i love that. i feel like i need to adopt that! I do that when I’m in Ohio with my family. i strictly use my phone as my camera. and only after everyone goes to bed, or before they are up in the morning, can i use it. turns out i only get like 4 hours of sleep while i’m there because so much of my job revolves around social media/my phone. but hey – it’s a sacrifice i can make while i have that short time at home with the people i love. You’re right – nothing beats that meaningful time with people you love, face to face, uninterrupted by technology. I agree!! they’re money-makers through and through – with their only goal is finding ways to keep you on the app for as long as possible, because more time means more montey for them. ugh. makes me sick the more i think about it. so glad you stopped by! Hugs and love xox
Excellent points, Caralyn! 😀
Besides that, consider how much energy (as in: global warming) this would consume (produce). It seems like such a staggering waste of resources!
thank you so much! You’re so right! the energy alone would be astronomical! Hugs and love xox
Thanks Caralyn ,
You explained this well . Certainly, I will never go for this Metavsrse , which will indeed get more addicted to it , and not face the real world !
thank you so much for sharing your thoughts on this! i agree – i’ll keep my feet physically on this real earth, thank you very much! hahah have a wonderful day! Hugs and love xox
You raise important questions about the concept behind Meta, and they need to be taken seriously. Your questioning of social justice is particularly relevant.
I wonder whether we’ll be able to have the good without the bad? I rather suspect not. In my lifetime, society has moved from a telephone (=landline) being a status symbol to the internet being essential for daily life. It would be very difficult to survive without email, and web access. In the UK it would be very difficult to access healthcare without the internet, for example.
Perhaps we should try to oppose this latest use of technology?
Hi Penny, thank you so much for sharing your thoughts on this! Yes – that was honestly my first thought: it’s an elite escapism…and what is going to happen to those of us who cannot afford the luxury of living in an alternative reality — or simply who choose not to! I know – especially after this past year in lockdown, internet access was truly a survival need. scary to think about! Hugs and love xox
I agree completely with you. The “Metaverse” has no place for God! I want nothing to do with it. In Zuckerberg’s universe there is no God and no meditating on God and no “thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself”.
thank you so much for sharing your thoughts on this! I agree – no where was there any faint hint of God! It was all Zuckergerg’s creation, and it just felt really really icky. When I look at real nature, i am struck by God’s majesty and love and creativity. i feel close to Him. What’s going to happen when we strip God’s fingerprints from that same majestic “virtual picture” and instead, credit Zuckerberg and the digital creators. It makes me really scared to think about. Hugs and love xox
I agree with you completely. In Zukerberg’s “Metaverse” there is no room for God. No meditation to find God. No “thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself” I want nothing to do with it!
amen!
Because the real world is boring…and the virtual world is not…
That is certainly a perspective that a lot of people hold! thanks for stopping by. Hugs and love xox
Oh my, I totally agree with your assessment of this virtual new world. It is dangerous to us on all levels. It is clear that many today no longer have a clear understanding of reality, and the consequences of their actions. Many have stopped experiencing lives and missed the whole point of being alive. They have become bored with life because they have never actually lived life. Over sensitized, spoiled, and callous of heart is the effects that the information age has brought us. We no longer sit and ponder the stars, or enjoy the cool breeze in the heat of the day, because we no longer work hard, and seek to do good for others. We only feed our own desires, and the stomach is never full, the eyes can not see enough, the ears can not stop hearing. This alternate reality deprives us of the gifts that God gave us of love and compassion for one another. Intimate relationships that are built on truth and mutual trust. Tenderness and caring are from a heart that has a genuine relationship with God. Then we add to this the fact that we are susceptible to the programming of the controllers of the environment. We are easily manipulated because we have forgotten how to think for ourselves, to reason and to seek out proper knowledge and understanding of the truth. This is clearly evident with the recent political and social events we have seen unfold world-wide. The destruction of morals, values, and ethics have been brought to us by decades of teachings that there is not God, and so then truth is relative and not an absolute. Those who hold to a solid truth on God and ethics are branded as haters. Believers are bullied into quieting their profession by mockery, and threats against their jobs, social standing, families, and even their lives. Mass shootings in churches are one such by-product of such moral insanity brought about by virtual lives. These are so many things to add. Perhaps I will pick this up on my blog and leave you in peace. LOL.. love your article. Grace and Peace in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts on this! Yes! they’ve missed the point of being alive! that is so true. We’ve got to hold strong to our relationship with God and keep our eyes locked on Him. Otherwise, we’ll be led astray! Hugs and love xox
Not reading any comments, so probably repeating lots of people. Starting backward: that sunset picture is beyond a million words!! Gorgeous is not sufficient to describe it!
MKz (Reminds me very much of MK Ultra!!!) is a transhumanist. Red Flags, and huge alarms are blaring everywhere for me!! He is also at least an atheist, I believe an actual satanist, due to his presences at epstein island. He wants us to become nonhuman. interestingly, did you realize the Jews are all upset because it means death in Hebrew?? Also, there is already a business named Meta. And he wants to change the name so precipitously because FB has so many lawsuits against it.
So, uh yeah. Wrong on every level!!
All your concerns are right on target. Thank you so much for speaking up about it!
thank you so much! 🙂 yeah that was at our lake home in Wisconsin…the sunsets up there are truly amazing…God puts on a show every night! 🙂 Yes – red flags EVERYWHERE! Really?? I just learned from another comment that it means death in Hebrew, which is just terrible. Make you wonder what they’re really pushing, and what the ultimate goal truly is. scary! thanks for stopping by! Hugs and love xox
I agree… I think I’ll go for a walk & talk to real people. I’m not liking his new platform.
Yes!! Oh my gosh, I am right there with you. Spending time in nature. Spending time with people. God is in those things…in their make up, in their essence. A computerized version of those things? Not quite. Thanks for stopping by! Hugs and love xox
Zuck probably doesn’t know this yet but NOTHING can replace or duplicate the joy of belonging to the kingdom of God or His beloved Son’s church. I have yet to see Zuck create a molecule.
AMEN TO THAT!!! Oh my gosh Rollie, that is so darn true. That’s because there is God’s fingerprints all over those things — the people, nature, songs, conversations, when two people are gathered in prayer — it is such a travesty that they want to just throw that away for some video game-version of life! Hugs and love xox
Thanks for posting this. While I’m not entirely surprised, I wasn’t aware that this was going on. We keep praying that Facebook will get exposed, which I think is happening. It definitely wasn’t a coincidence that the day before their former employee testified against that their service went down world wide for a number of hours. There is reason for concern, but I know that God will prevail. He is a jealous God. It’s good that you are getting the word out and letting people aware of some of the dangers that Facebook “Big Tech” poses.
Thank you so much! I’m so glad this resonated with you. Yeah – Facebook is definitely having to face the music on some things…which is about time! God will prevail indeed. I will bet the houseon that! THanks for stopping by and for your kind words! Hugs and love xox
Great insights! Thanks for your research and remarks!
Thank you so much Clara! Hugs and love xox
Excellent blog and I am with you 100% on the concerns. Very scary and something to definitely pay attention to for our future generations.
Thank you so much Dawn! I’m so glad this resonated with you. very true! Hugs and love xox
I recently found out how much joy there is in getting active and in nature. Now, most of my hobbies involve it, including skiing, kayaking, hiking, archery, and rock climbing. Because of this, I probably won’t be limiting myself to the virtual world anytime soon.
Hi Ang! Oh my gosh,YES! There’s something about the combination of endorphins and fresh air, and seeing the sky and the greenery — it’s amazing. And yay skiing! that’s one of my favorite sports!! thanks for stopping by and sharing that! Hugs and love xox
I’m wondering now whether it is almost time to finally pull the plug on Facebook. I started my account years ago to stay in touch with real friends and family. That has long since ceased functionality. Real friends and family now call (or at least text) As we are able we actually meet in real time with real hugs and kisses.
Hi Pete, thanks for sharing your thoughts on this. Yeah – i think you may be right – the time appears to be upon us. thanks for stopping by! Hugs and love xox
I fully agree with your well-put discussion.
thank you so much Alan! I appreciate you stopping by and joining the conversation! Hugs and love xox
Good take on this, Caralyn. I agree. No thanks on the Matrix. I will live an actual life.
Thank you so much Mel! Amen to that – no thanks on the Matrix! Hugs and love xox
Yes ma’am, too many times too many people have abandoned God. As a group, as a community, as a country, the world must turn back to God. We have so much good around us and available to us; we must learn to “Love our neighbor”. Hugs and Love 🤗 & ❤️!
Hey HJ – thanks for sharing your thoughts on this. i so agree – we’ve got to return to the Father!! and yes! love our neighbors! that would solve so many problems! Hugs and love xox
Yes!
I want to be, *do*, and have, in reality.
We have the Lord’s Prayer,
which is an ‘on earth as in heaven’ direction.
…
I too, love God’s good creation.
I think we (as people) have scratched the surface of God’s good creation…
‘all of those things God created out of love…’
🙏🏼
In practice, for me, *doing* must grounded…
This IS super creepy. A cross between the Maxtrix and Ready Player One. There is NO way to stop it though. Technology is a drug that most people seem unable to walk away from these days. Reading a paper book is so ‘old school’ and rebellious. Cooking your own food falls into this category as well. Why isn’t he working on making replicas for food to place in the poorest of communities? Or Star Trek level medical aid? A few passes of the ‘magic wand’ and that open wound is disinfected and sealed. Zucky does nothing to really help people. Everything he does has and continues to, cause harm to humanity. He is an antihumanitarian. I’m sure this virtual world will be the place where people are programmed even further.
However, thinking about it… being able to walk into my at home private chapel, programmed with everything any ancient father or mother has ever said and being able to worship with Constantine, or one of the Apostles or even Jesus is appealing. Little vents in the floors would open up and release incense and there would be no screaming children or people walking in late. Uh oh…
Very well said. When you described the metaverse, I was screaming at the screen, “Hey, Zucky, just go outside!” But the idea that each of us gets to play god is very real, and dangerous. I cannot remember which celebrity was talking about his/her Christian beliefs recently and they said that we make really bad gods. It is much better to let God be God.
I totally agree with you. I want no part of it.
A virtual dog and sit in your lap or lick your hand because you are home.
Virtual flowers can’t smell nice.
Virtual friends are not there for you when you need someone.
Virtual friends can’t cook recipes for you like the ones you share. Oh uh still waiting on that 🙂
I’d already figured out that I would make a terrible god. I even wrote a blog post about it one time…
You know, as I read your description of Zuckerberg’s meta-verse, I couldn’t decide whether to laugh or cry. I can’t WEAR virtual clothing. If I tried going outside in virtual clothing, I’d be arrested for indecent exposure.
I don’t want a virtual dog (or in my case, a virtual cat). I can’t PET a virtual cat. I wouldn’t be able to FEEL the silkiness of the cat’s fur with my REAL fingers, or HEAR her purring with my real ears. In a virtual world I wouldn’t be able to TASTE food. Our five senses are some of the most amazing gifts God has given us, and I’m reminded of that every time I taste a McDonald’s mocha frappé, or look at the Milky Way at night (did you know that there’s a nebula in the Orion constellation that looks like a horse’s head? How cool is that!)
Regardless of how dreamy and wonderful Mark Zuckerberg makes his meta-verse sound, ultimately it won’t work. We will still exist in flesh-and-blood bodies that require air and water and real food to sustain us. Human beings can’t survive in a virtual world. Unless we eat real food, drink real water, and breathe real air, we will die. And nothing Mark Zuckerberg does can ever change that.
So I’m not willing to give up my relationship with God, and knowing Jesus Christ, or the opportunity to see Jesus face to face when I get to Heaven, so I can have some “fun” in a virtual world for a while here on earth. A virtual game is a very poor substitute for knowing my Jesus, and getting to spend eternity with Him.
I’m glad you posted this story, because I hadn’t heard about it before I read your post! So thank you!
And I forgot about perhaps the most important aspect of all, that God secured our salvation by becomIng FLESH in the form of Jesus Christ. I was reminded of that fact this morning in another blog that I’ve been following for years, Breakpoint, from the Colson Center for Christian Worldview. If Christ hadn’t stepped down from His majesty on High to assume FLESH and become a flesh-and-blood human being, all the wonderful technology that Mark Zuckerberg is using to create his metaverse probably wouldn’t even exist, because it’s the advent of Christianity and the presence of God in the earth that’s allowed technology to develop in the first place.
Silly Zucky! Silly humans! They can’t exist without God and they don’t even know it!
Well put. I agree with you one hundred percent.
What a powerful statement on the future. You have moved people to reflect on the basics of relationship and the power that Love One Another spread throughout the world. It has been a pleasure to see the basics come back to life. It is what is yet to be touched, scene, smelled, woken up to and shared that is LIFE. Thank you.
I definitely have no interest in participating in the “metaverse”. Just the name “Meta” for a company flashes scenes into my mind from all of the movies I’ve seen where technology goes horribly wrong. Even though I’m an introvert and love solitary time and digital messaging vs phone calls and long in person meetings, I still need the in-person interaction to feel completely human.
God designed this world, and He designed us for interaction in the world. Technology is nice, but it can’t replace meeting together. Digital hugs (and digital dogs???) just don’t have the same effect as the real thing.
i so agree, Ellen, I’m right there with you! amen – He designed it for us out of love! Hugs and love xox
I wasn’t a fan of this before I read your blog, and I’m even less of a fan now. You’ve brought up points I hadn’t considered, and I’m sure others haven’t considered them either. Thank you for your enlightenment.
Hi Amy! I am right there with you – totally not into this new direction! thanks for taking the time for reading this! sending so much love and hugs xox
I am with you Caralyn. I do not want any part of this Metaverse, either! As I see the world, now, it is becoming more and more artificial and farther and farther away from God and His plan for mankind. All that has been and is occurring is what was predicted in the Bible, which is following Satan’s plan to turn man away from God and His love. The idea of going into virtual reality, and by passing God’s created reality, is to take man away from the beauty and true qualities of the earth and the real interpersonal loving relationships of people and animals. This Metaverse is so cold and distancing.
Hi Delores! thank you for sharing your heart on this. You’re right – i don’t want any part of it either! so true! this has all been fortold! what a terrifiying thought! Lord, have mercy! so glad you stopped by!
Thank you for boldly saying what so many of us is thinking!
thank you so much Dana! i appreciate that. Hugs and love xox
It can be hard to keep up with technology.