The digital revolution is in full swing, and technologies like Augmented Reality, Virtual Reality, and Mixed Reality are on the brink of transforming our world. While these terms might still sound like science fiction to many, experts such as Alvin Graylin and Louis Rosenberg argue that these advancements are rapidly becoming part of our everyday lives. In their book, Our Next Reality: How the AI-Powered Metaverse Will Reshape the World, they outline how artificial intelligence and immersive technologies are set to redefine the way we live, work, and communicate.
Artificial intelligence is the driving force behind this transformation. While the foundations of AR and VR have been laid through hardware development in recent years, it’s AI that breathes life into these technologies. AI enables real-time content creation and personalized experiences tailored to individual needs. Graylin and Rosenberg suggest that without AI, the dream of the metaverse—a digital world where physical and virtual realities merge—would be nearly impossible to achieve.
One of the most significant advancements lies in AI’s ability to generate vast amounts of content. Unlike human developers, who are limited by time and creativity, generative AI can continuously create new digital experiences, customized for every user and environment. This opens up endless possibilities, from personalized shopping experiences to virtual assistants that make daily life easier.
For many, the concept of the metaverse remains abstract. However, there are already examples of companies integrating these technologies into everyday life. AR is used to enhance museum exhibitions, assist surgeons in real-time during operations, and revolutionize online shopping. The vision of the metaverse, as described in Neal Stephenson’s novel Snow Crash, is becoming more of a reality. Once a futuristic concept, the metaverse is now seen by tech giants and startups alike as the next big step in digital evolution.
But with this technological development comes questions about ethics and privacy. Rosenberg warns of a future where AI-powered assistants could potentially have too much influence over our decisions and perceptions. He points out that AI technologies—if controlled by large corporations—could manipulate our experiences by subtly presenting products or information. These “whisperers,” as Rosenberg calls them, could accompany us everywhere, quietly shaping our reality without us even noticing.
However, the future could also take a different path. Instead of being steered by ads and manipulation, AI could be used to make our lives more efficient. Virtual assistants could handle our shopping, manage our schedules, and even attend meetings on our behalf. The question is how much control we are willing to give these technologies, and how we balance convenience with privacy.
The next challenge lies in encouraging both businesses and lawmakers to handle these technologies responsibly. Graylin and Rosenberg emphasize that while companies may benefit from the productivity gains driven by AI, they should be cautious about hastily downsizing their workforce. The increasing automation and reliance on AI could have profound societal impacts if not carefully managed.
For policymakers, it will be crucial to establish clear rules that promote innovation without compromising citizens’ rights. Privacy, ethical use, and transparent business models must be at the forefront as AI-powered technologies become more prevalent in our lives in the coming years.
Artificial intelligence and immersive technologies are no longer the stuff of the distant future—they are already influencing many aspects of our lives today. The question is no longer whether these technologies will become part of our everyday routines, but how we will shape and control them. The coming years will reveal how well we can harness the potential of these technologies without losing sight of our core values.
