One aspect of the Metaverse that has always charmed me is the astounding level of equality. Here, we are all no more than strings of ones and zeroes. Web services do not distinguish between genders, nationalities, religions, or political viewpoints.
There is a certain level of elitism imposed by certain parts of this world, though. Passwords, subscription-based services, and ranked search results do chip away some of that equality. Denying service not because of ethnicity, or religion, but because they either were unable to, or opted not to buy into a subscription-based offer. Even search technologies impose a form of favouritism! Some where being the most popular (measured by how many other popular entities talk refer to you) brings favourable placement, which entices further referencing. Others being essentially bribe-based. Top ranking goes to the person who pays the most for it. Even passwords put a certain level of restriction on clientage: only those with the secret code phrase can enter, reminiscent of a den of pirates. If you don’t have the password, you are simply not welcome.
This writing was originally featured here, on Gaia Online.
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