Micaela Mantegna: How to stop the metaverse from becoming the internet's bad sequel

Micaela Mantegna’s TED Talk, "How to Stop the Metaverse from Becoming the Internet's Bad Sequel," presented in April 2022, offers a critical examination of the potential pitfalls in the development of the metaverse. As a video game lawyer, Mantegna brings a unique perspective to the table, emphasizing the need to address existing flaws in the internet's infrastructure before we dive headlong into this new digital frontier.

Addressing the Metaverse's Risks

Mantegna argues that the metaverse is poised to inherit the internet's worst traits, including unchecked surveillance and invasive data collection. She paints a dystopian picture where VR headsets and neurotechnology could lead to a "capitalism of cognitive surveillance." This is a critical concern, especially as we consider integrating more personal and sensitive data into virtual spaces.

Proposing Solutions

To prevent the metaverse from becoming a digital dystopia, Mantegna proposes that we learn from past mistakes. She emphasizes the importance of designing the metaverse with a focus on connection and interoperability. Mantegna stresses the need for a legal framework that supports content portability and prevents the kind of restrictive practices seen with digital goods today. She highlights the potential of NFTs and blockchain to provide technical solutions but insists that these tools must be supported by robust legal structures.

The Human Element

A key aspect of Mantegna's talk is her call for a metaverse that reflects our best qualities—kindness, creativity, and community. She advocates for inclusivity and the promotion of positive interactions, citing examples like Leyline’s blockchain-based proof of good deeds and Games Done Quick’s charitable initiatives. Her vision of the metaverse is one where humanity’s virtues are preserved and amplified, not overshadowed by commercial interests.