Metaverse Inventor Doubts VR Headsets

Neal Stephenson, the author credited with coining the term 'Metaverse' in his 1992 cyberpunk novel, has expressed significant doubts about the future of virtual reality hardware. Initially a proponent of VR technology, Stephenson now views face-worn devices, such as VR headsets and the glasses being developed by Meta, as 'creepy.' He believes the public is unlikely to embrace wearing technology on their faces, especially given the widespread use and familiarity of smartphones.

Stephenson's revised perspective suggests a fundamental shift in his outlook on human-computer interaction. He acknowledges that his earlier belief in the inevitable move away from handheld screens has been proven wrong, at least in the context of VR adoption. He argues that unless VR hardware can overcome its 'creepy' factor and become less intrusive, it will struggle to gain mainstream acceptance. This stance potentially allows companies like Meta, Epic Games, and Google to continue using the 'Metaverse' concept for simpler, flat-screen applications without direct opposition from its originator.