This Week in Tech 882 was hosted by Leo Laporte and published on July 3rd, 2022. The theme was “Many Mini Metaverses,” and guests included Mike Elgan, who discussed his article for Computerworld about why the internet keeps splintering. (Photo credit: Depositphotos).

Elgan noted that China is good at keeping its citizens from seeing uncensored content, and similar censorship takes place in North Korea, Eritrea, Ethiopia, and Saudi Arabia.

During the podcast, he also mentioned a book by Nina Xiang. In Parallel Metaverses, the author argued a point that Elgan said he made in a previously published column: there will be many, many metaverses.

Elgan predicted that a minority would embrace a splintered version of the web, but the majority will stay on what they call web2. “It’s just going to get worse and worse and worse,” he said. Take a listen.

Also published in 2022, Tyrone Taborn’s book, Metaquake USA, covers the undeniable shift the world is experiencing with the metaverse and web3.

Most importantly, Taborn highlights the historical position underrepresented communities have held through each technological revolution as well as the role of innovators of color in each development.

Taborn describes the metaverse as a vast, interconnected digital universe that merges the physical and virtual worlds. His groundbreaking book dives deep into the metaverse’s potential, examining its implications for society and business. As the metaverse continues to evolve, Taborn predicts that it will profoundly impact how we live, work, and interact.

Taborn also explores the ethical dilemmas associated with the metaverse, including concerns about privacy, security, and the digital divide. Throughout the book, he emphasizes the importance of proactive discussions and policy-making to ensure that the metaverse develops in a way that benefits everyone.

Metaquake USA: What the Metaverse Is and How It Will Shape Your Future is available at major book retailers and online bookstores.