The metaverse must be carefully built so that we may learn from the flaws of the internet.The metaverse is currently one of the hottest concepts in product design. Dozens of publications outline the metaverse concept and how it will be the present internet’s successor. However, fewer pieces discuss the perils of this technology on our civilization.

There are various issues that the metaverse may cause if it is not carefully designed with the public’s best interests in mind.

1. Cyberbullying

Cyberbullying is one of the most visible issues on the internet. 37% of young people aged 12 to 17 have been bullied online. Cyberbullying increases the risk of self-harm and suicide in young people.

However, the metaverse has the potential to take this issue to the next level. It’s one thing to read a nasty comment on Twitter or Facebook, and quite another to see an abuser in front of you in a virtual space. The virtual world will immerse us in interaction and blur the distinction between real and virtual identities.

As a result, any insulting or abusive behavior from the other person will feel much more personal. Without sufficient moderation, cyberbullying can increase the number of psychological traumas. However, moderation cannot occur in the absence of precise standards governing how people are expected to act.

The developers of the metaverse will most likely write a set of rules for the metaverse that will allow moderators and AI-based technologies to analyze and act on user conduct in the virtual area. The guidelines will most likely replicate real-world ethical codes with some unique application to virtual world engagement.

2. Polarization of society

Social media has played a significant role in polarising the United States. According to the film The Social Dilemma, AI algorithms deployed by social media networks watch users’ behavior and interests and supply them with the information they enjoy. 

3. Privacy breach

More privacy concerns are expected if the ad-based income model is transferred to the metaverse. The more information you have about the user, the better you will be able to forecast what the user wants. Consider a virtual world in which your every move is tracked so that the company may collect information about your tastes and display you appropriate adverts.

Despite the fact that the metaverse is built on web 3.0 and blockchain technology, data privacy may be an illusion. GDPR regulations must be in place prior to the first user joining the metaverse.

4. Data protection

The worst data security concern you can face nowadays is if someone hacks into your account and steals a portion of your data (access to your bank account, photos, personal messages, etc.). The most serious data security issue in the metaverse is if someone compromises your digital identity and steals all of your digital possessions. One of the metaverse’s primary priorities will be to improve data security.

Leaders in the industry are continually looking for innovative methods to increase data security. One method of protecting a user’s digital identity is to employ biometric data during account creation and login. For example, facial recognition and fingerprint scanning will very certainly be standard features of the metaverse’s sign-in procedure.