Murray Critiques "Metaverse" on Verge Panel

Posted October 26, 2021

Janet Murray, professor in the School of Literature, Media, and Communication, participated in a panel sponsored by The Verge, titled “What the heck is the Metaverse?” on Oct. 23.

In response to the opening question “What is the Metaverse?” Murray answered, “It’s a fantasy. It’s currently being used to raise money and raise stock prices and distract from other things that are happening from the actual universe.” Murray critiqued the “Metaverse” as a buzzword based on a fantasy and urged the audience to look for concrete applications and design innovations aimed at actual users rather than the desire for more advertising revenue.

Murray was one of three panelists alongside Metakovan, entrepreneur and financier at Metapurse, and Vincent Diallo, managing partner at Interlace Ventures. Deputy Editor of The Verge Elizabeth Lopatto moderated the panel.

Watch the full video here.