The metaverse is full of great enterprise applications; However, there are some drawbacks. There are some pitfalls to be aware of when using metaverse technology.
The metaverse is a brand new technology sector that is rapidly changing, and there’s lots of excitement regarding its potential in many aspects of life and work. But, any company looking to implement metaverse technologies for pilots or on a larger scale should be aware of potential risks.
As futuristic-sounding as they may appear, metaverse technology already has practical applications for enterprises. “When you consider the fundamentals of how we create, communicate, and collaborate in the digital world, the metaverse is simply a more immersive and personalized version of how we already work,” said Salim Elkhou, the CEO of Onna.
The potential issues with metaverse technology include issues with regulatory and skills bottlenecks and clients’ and consumers’ skepticism. For instance, according to a recent Morning Consult survey, 55% of people are worried about how their data will be used and monitored throughout metaverse technology.
A proactive approach to planning can allow companies to benefit from metaverse technology that makes sense for their businesses as they develop. It can also help these same companies avoid the numerous pitfalls that these technologies can cause, particularly in this period of high media hype.
“Not all enterprises need to have a virtual presence for marketing,” said Andreas Grant, network security engineer and the founder of Networks Hardware. “Yet, as the hype train is real, the enterprises are not thinking it through before jumping on it.”
Metaverse Technical Issues
There is as much excitement as there is about the field. The metaverse technologies are not yet available. As a result, companies are eager to discover possibilities in this field but are constrained because it is considered a new technology.
“The metaverse is still in its early stages of development, so it can be difficult to find skilled developers familiar with the platform,” said Morshed Alam, the founder and the editor at Savvy Programmer. “Additionally, there are not many tools or resources available to help IT professionals manage and optimize their virtual infrastructure within the metaverse.”
The reluctance of the executive to invest heavily in a growing tech industry can reduce the need for training in related fields like VR, Alam said. But, rushing to take on or even test the use of metaverse-related technologies could run into ongoing shortages of skilled workers in various related fields. The World Economic Forum expects most businesses to adopt metaverse-related technologies such as the cloud, machine learning, and virtual reality/alternative technology by the end of this year. However, almost three-quarters of participants in an earlier Salesforce survey claimed that they didn’t possess the digital capabilities they require in their work today or shortly.
In general, metaverse technology could help and cause issues related to hybrid and remote workplaces. On the other hand, virtual reality can make situations such as digital tours of workplaces or virtual meetings with employees possible, as per Lars Hyland, chief learning officer at Totara Learning. This is particularly useful during the first few months after starting work. He explained that it could help colleagues establish connections and familiarize themselves with their workplace culture.
“Quickly attaining familiarity with your surroundings is key as it makes you feel more connected with other colleagues, new and experienced,” Hyland explained. “When the default working pattern is remote or hybrid, this is all the more important.” In the same way, losing nuances like body language and eye contact during recruitment is one of the issues of the metaverse for specific applications, he added.
The final decision of an enterprise for investing in metaverse technology must be considered in conjunction with the general IT requirements and available resources and talent in other operational areas.
Metaverse Ethics as well as Privacy Problems
There are ethical issues to consider regarding this field and various topics and risk levels. Metaverse technology may lower the risks associated with workplaces. For instance, the use of virtual reality has for a long time been used for the field of training as well as simulations, Hyland claimed, while new technology is making this method more accessible and valuable.
“The aerospace industry has pioneered this field for years with flight simulators. There are now multiple use cases of VR training for hazardous work environments, ranging from construction, nuclear energy, and even field workers operating in challenging societal and political environments,” he stated. Metaverse technology could provide new learning opportunities to shield workers from hazardous environments or let them take on more courses online before entering dangerous situations.
Furthermore, many companies already manage, store, and process vast quantities of information about their operations, employees, and clients. This trend will only increase when the use of metaverse technologies grows. IT professionals will be required to consider staff growth, upskilling, and storage of data by investing more.
Certain metaverse technologies require users to submit biometric information such as fingerprints, facial scans, or fingerprints. Clients and employees may have legitimate concerns regarding the way this information is used and stored and if it is required in the first place.
“Just like anti-vax and pro-vaccine movements, people will be hesitant to hand over their biometric data,” Grant stated. Certain people might also suffer from physical health issues like anxiety or motion sickness connected to metaverse technology.
Every company that chooses to use metaverse technologies, or other technology that could be used to collect sensitive information, should remain aware of the law regarding the collection and use of data and implement internal policies that are clear and accessible. It is also essential to look at alternatives to the metaverse tech if employees or clients are unable or cannot use it.
Metaverse Regulative Problems
The privacy-related concerns of the metaverse arise because technology is evolving faster than the rules. Data storage and collection, as well as cryptocurrency and geographic jurisdiction, are only one of the areas that metaverse-related rules and policies address.
As with the laws that collect data, like that of Europe’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), One major enterprise-related metaverse issue will resolve the jurisdiction’s problem. For instance, from an ethical standpoint, it’s often unclear which digital spaces, such as domains with a brand name and “properties” in virtual worlds, are located.
“With the expanding amount of virtual space available to users worldwide, determining how the subject of jurisdiction will be applied will become increasingly crucial,” said Andreas Velling, chief marketing officer of Factory. Thriving metaverse communities will draw groups and individuals from all over the globe. Their absence of traditional boundaries can benefit in specific ways, but it is a disadvantage to the users in other ways.
This means that many of the issues IT professionals are already facing will be exacerbated. “It will be difficult to identify jurisdictions and regulations that can be enacted to ensure that the virtual environment is safe and secure for its users,” Velling explained.
Companies must think about their policies of their own regarding jurisdiction as well as existing laws, the same way they would with physical spaces as well as those in more established digital environments. However, the leaders of organizations will have to be aware of what’s likely to change in the legal environment in this area.
