The Metaverse: A Hopeful Solution Amidst Internet Ruin and AI Hype.

The metaverse, a virtual world that has yet to achieve popularity, has the potential to avoid the mistakes of the past and limit the rampant toxicity that has infiltrated the web and social media. However, there is a lack of transparency around how it will work, and issues such as bias, ecological impact, surveillance, and data privacy need to be addressed. Robust laws and ethical guidelines are necessary, but regulation should not be left up to corporations. Achieving a true metaverse requires connection beyond the business of organizations and governments working to facilitate a "true public interest/set of rights."