Plain English with Derek Thompson The Future Is Going to Be Weird As Hell
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Nov 16, 2021 
Kevin Roose, a tech columnist at the New York Times, dives into the quirky future of technology. He unpacks the complexities of the metaverse, critiquing its authenticity and user safety. Roose discusses the transformative potential of NFTs, showcasing how they alter digital ownership and empower artists. The conversation also touches on the shifting landscape for tech giants and how new startups might reshape the industry. Prepare for a wild ride through the possibilities of a decentralized digital world!
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Facebook's Metaverse Investment
- Facebook's Reality Labs division employs 10,000 people and plans to hire 10,000 more, demonstrating a serious investment.
- They are acquiring VR startups and building hardware/software, aiming to create a dominant VR/AR platform.
Interoperability vs. Dominance
- Facebook claims they want an interoperable metaverse, contrasting with their current walled-garden approach.
- Their past actions and internal memos suggest a desire for metaverse dominance, raising doubts about their intentions.
Safety vs. Scale
- Facebook aims for "Disney levels of safety" in the metaverse, yet admits moderating user behavior at scale is "practically impossible".
- This internal contradiction highlights the challenge of balancing safety and scale in virtual worlds.