Metaverse fediverse realverse

The Metaverse Environment

Every day we use socializing digital systems that fit into the paradigm of interaction between our real world, definable Realverse, and the digital one, which represents a well-defined virtual space. This digital space interacts in turn with other systems and virtual worlds.

The Metaverse is a welcoming place where people with common interests come together. In this environment, users can define their own identity, creating a new person that does not necessarily have to match the one in the Realverse. This possibility of expression and connection is a positive aspect of the Metaverse, encouraging the creation of communities and the meeting of individuals with similar passions.

However, the Metaverse is not just a virtualized world; it also represents a significant shift in the Internet from information sources retrieved through web pages to closed systems within the Metaverse. This shift can lead to increased segmentation of information and a limitation of freedom of access, creating spaces where the quality of content can be sacrificed for commercial interests.

The various social media are the first fundamental element of this new development. Commercial interests will try to make the community more attractive, creating that dependency necessary to feed the Metaverse ecosystem. However, it is observed that on the front page ephemeral topics are addressed which in turn feed contributions and references that spread like wildfire.

We know that we are not interested in fuel the quality, but rather in the toxic debate, with the presence of champions which, in try to start discussions aimed at change opinions, risk strengthen a stage of useless attempts for change, without hope. This contrast between the potential for connection and the drift towards superficial content highlights the distortions of the Metaverse, inviting a critical reflection on how we can navigate these new digital spaces.

The Metaverse misinformation phenomenon is fueled by the nature of social media and online interactions, where sensational content tends to get more exposure than accurate, well-researched content. Any attempt to correct this misinformation can backfire, as such actions can, paradoxically, increase the relevance and reach of the misinformation, leading to greater exposure.

The vicious circle has been served: false information proliferates, while true information struggles to emerge.

This behavior is the result of an excess of algorithmic bias, which determines what content is promoted and what is censored. Platforms use rules described in AI to filter and censor information, but these systems are not infallible and can reflect inherent biases, leading to arbitrary decisions about what is considered acceptable or not.

The result of this process is a information clot in the Metaverse, where there is a feeding of trivial content and a diffusion of uncensorable information. Platforms can become spaces where the quality of information is compromised, and where the loudest and most sensational voices overwhelm the more reasoned and informed ones. This scenario not only undermines users’ trust in the information they receive, but also creates an environment in which public debate is distorted and polarized.

The Fediverse Environment¹

It is not the intention to provide a vademecum on how to best use the Metaverse environments (Facebook, X, YouTube, Pinterest, TikTok, etc.). Many content creators are tied to the monetization of platforms, with the concern of being excluded for content that violates the guidelines. It is observed that often the content managers create alternative profiles to be able to express their opinions with greater freedom. In this way, if censorship were to fall on their secondary profile, they could still maintain the main profile paid.

Make the most of available platforms to share information with those trapped in the Metaverse, promoting the spread of the Fediverse.

The Fediverse represents an interconnected universe in which federated and independent social networks, microblogging services and websites collaborate to form a common network. This network is distinguished by its ability to enhance the freedom, autonomy and content of users, allowing everyone to express their ideas without the restrictions imposed by centralized platforms.

The Fediverse fosters an environment where users can interact freely and share information more equitably. Thanks to its decentralized structure, users have control over their data and can choose how and where to publish their content. In this way, social media becomes truly accessible to all, offering opportunities for connection and interaction that go beyond the barriers imposed by traditional business models.

The Fediverse therefore represents a significant alternative, capable of responding to the needs of an increasingly aware community, eager to actively participate in the creation and dissemination of content.

At this point, the reader might expect a link to download a Fediverse app and try it on their phone. It is important to clarify that the Fediverse is not an application, nor a specific service or platform, but rather a framework that guides software developers (the vast majority open source) to integrate into an ever-expanding federated environment, with new services constantly added.

An advantage for users is that, on one instance, you get access to the entire Fediverse ecosystem, without having to register for each service individually. As a participant in the Fediverse, you can communicate with and follow any other user, thus enjoying the freedom to choose the service you prefer to use.

Main services of the Fediverse

• Mastodon alternative to X - is a decentralized microblogging service where users can directly exchange toots of up to 500 characters via short messages. Sharing/spreading other toots is called boost.
• Pleroma alternative to X - social networking compatible with other Fediverse software: Misskey , Pixelfed , Mastodon and much more . In many instances of Pleroma, longer contributions than the usual 500 characters of Mastodon, can also be written.
• PeerTube alternative to YouTube or Vimeo - Videos can be uploaded, viewed and commented on PeerTube. Similar to YouTube.
• Funkwhale alternative to Spotify and SoundCloud - a platform dedicated to audio and music. Users can upload, listen to and comment on audio content, offering an alternative to paid services such as Spotify or SoundCloud. It is an ideal platform for musicians, audiobook enthusiasts and podcast listeners.
• Pixelfed Instagram alternative - is a photo-sharing service complete with commenting capabilities. Users can create their own photo albums, explore other people’s images, and follow other users or photographers through a timeline.
• Friendica alternative to Facebook - is a social network or macroblogging service. Among other things, it offers the ability to connect with other users, follow them, organize into groups, keep photo albums, comment and provide feedback on content via Like or Dislike.
• Hubzilla alternative to Facebook - a social network that works similarly to Friendica.
• Mobilizon Facebook Events Alternative - Free alternative to Facebook Events for to organize and to promote events.
• Plume alternative to WordPress - federated blogging service that allows you to publish content in the Fediverse. Users can work together on a contribution and exchange ideas with each other.
• WriteFreely WordPress alternative - similar to Plume.

Main FOSS applications²

• Tusky “A multi-account client for the Mastodon social network” Tusky is a lightweight client for Mastodon, a free and open source social networking server.
• Fedilab “Multifunctional Android client for accessing the distributed Fediverse”.
• Voyager for Lemmy “join the discussion” is a free and open source client for Lemmy. Voyager respects your privacy: no trackers and no ads.
• Jerboa for Lemmy “An app for Lemmy, a federated reddit alternative.” Jerboa is made by the developers of Lemmy and is free, open source software.
• Eternity “A Lemmy client for Android, derived from Reddit’s Infinity project”.

Ourverse

Is human action in the real world being lost? Virtualizing meetings, chats, games compromise the real world in the long time?

Human action in the real world seems to be in a state of transformation, and the question is whether this evolution could lead to its decrease. With the increase in digitalization, many of our daily interactions have been virtualized: meetings, conversations and games increasingly take place through screens and online platforms. This trend, while offering advantages in terms of accessibility and convenience, raises questions about the future of human relationships and the authenticity of shared experiences.

The outcomes of human interactions are unpredictable and manifest in ways that cannot be predicted algorithmically. This unpredictability is one of the fundamental characteristics of human life, which feeds on spontaneity and creativity. Digitalization, while offering useful tools, cannot replace the richness of human experiences lived in the real world.

The gap between the real and digital worlds is set to narrow as algorithmic systems become more advanced and new technologies, such as quantum computers, are developed. These, thanks to their ability to process enormous amounts of data in an extremely fast and complex way, could revolutionize the way we interact with the digital world.

We must improve ourselves without ever stopping dreaming:

• Value the importance of physical relationships and human contact.
• Promote an approach that values the human being.
• Develop and expand our analytical skills and evaluate information objectively.
• Encourage personal reflection and the freedom to make decisions.
• Foster authentic connections between people.
• Promote concern and responsibility for the well-being of others.
• Create a sense of closeness even in virtual contexts.
• Enhance active listening as a communication tool.
• Right to respect, equality, justice and equal opportunities.
• Value the time and reflection, counteracting the frenzy of modern life.
• Promote a balance between individual freedom and altruism towards others.
• Recognize and address negative influences that may undermine new generations.
• Every person should have the opportunity to realize their potential and contribute to the common good, summed up in one simple word brotherhood.
• Support children’s mental and physical health as a priority.
• To enhance the importance of education for the future of society.
• Address the issue of aging with awareness and preparation.