A vision for a responsible metaverse

Confronting the ethical issues of xReality, AI, and the metaverse

Widespread digitization of human intelligence and the physical world is driving seminal shifts in how people create, interact with each other, and experience the world. While the vision of an online world indistinguishable from the physical world may be years away, the outlines of where we are headed are visible today.

Deloitte refers to this next revolution of the internet as Unlimited Reality (xReality), which represents a convergence of shifting behavior and several technologies rapidly maturing for mainstream use, including AI, augmented reality/virtual reality (AR/VR) devices, 3D rendering, Internet of Things (IoT), blockchain, digital assets, and advances in connectivity and computing power.

And, much like the introduction of the internet, social media, and smartphones, the age of xReality generates new opportunity to create value—as well as harm.

The C-suite’s role in developing responsible xReality and AI strategies

CEOs should learn from some of the missteps from companies that drove the last wave of technological disruption and sponsor development of responsible xReality strategies now.

Those that do could expect to benefit from new sources of competitive advantage: premium pricing, greater brand trust, and improved operational efficiency.

Executives have an opportunity (and responsibility) to design metaverse strategies that center on societal impact

In xReality, online experiences, powered by AI, are expected to become more integrated, immersive, and energy intensive. Fundamental shifts in behavior and technology, as well as regulation, are expected to disrupt current business models. Harmful behavior and potential unintended consequences to individuals, society, and environment will likely increase in frequency and complexity. Executives across every industry should be prepared with a strategy to navigate AI and xReality responsibly.

Organizations that do not should expect to face the loss of stakeholder trust, billions of dollars in fines, and increased media and regulatory scrutiny that many technology companies are already facing today. Beyond that, organizations may face disruption or even obsolescence.