The term metaverse refers to a collective virtual shared space that merges virtually enhanced physical reality and persistent virtual reality, creating immersive digital environments where users interact with each other and digital objects in real time. It often involves the use of technologies such as virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), and digital avatars to simulate or expand upon the physical world in a 3D space
. Originally coined by Neal Stephenson in his 1992 science fiction novel Snow Crash , the metaverse was envisioned as a universal, immersive virtual world accessed via VR and AR devices, where users represented by avatars could socialize, work, play, and engage in economic activities
. Today, the metaverse is seen as the next evolution of the internet, combining multiple interconnected virtual worlds and experiences rather than a single platform. It enables social interaction, commerce, entertainment, education, and more, often blurring the lines between the digital and physical realms. Major tech companies like Meta (formerly Facebook), Roblox, and Fortnite are actively developing metaverse platforms, but full realization requires advances in interoperability, consistent virtual identities, and digital property rights
. In summary, the metaverse is an emerging, immersive digital universe that integrates VR, AR, and internet technologies to create interconnected virtual spaces where people can interact, create, and transact much like in the physical world
