The metaverse did not go according to plan — Vitalik Buterin
Ethereum co-founder Vitalik Buterin does not hide his skepticism about metaverses. He is confused by everything: the marketing decisions of this concept and its perception.
The two-day BUIDL Asia 2024 conference kicked off today in Seoul, South Korea. Ethereum co-founder Vitalik Buterin also spoke at it. In his speech, he explained why the widespread understanding of the idea of metaverses today is so frustrating for him.
Vitalik Buterin categorically disagreed with the current interpretation of the idea of metaverses and virtual reality. He stated that today this technology is perceived more as a brand, rather than as a real product.
"We still don't have a clear definition of what a metaverse is. Because of this ambiguity, it is often perceived more as a brand than a product. It seems that everyone around has this abstract idea of a kind of virtual universe where anyone can get into and which does not belong to anyone. It is often associated with virtual reality, where the needs are simpler, akin to the desire to have a laptop without a laptop," says Buterin.
Apple CEO Tim Cook agreed with Buterin on this. Back in 2022, he stated that the average Internet user can hardly understand what the metaverse is, or explain what the essence of its concept is.:
"I think it's important that people understand the essence of something. And I doubt very much that an ordinary person can explain what a metaverse is."
