5 Emerging Trends That Will Change Your Online World

Our lives online are changing at breakneck speed. And it’s not just social media platforms and online shopping that are evolving.

Innovations like blockchain, virtual reality (VR), and artificial intelligence (AI) are set to transform our online world, from how people make money to how we interact with each other.

According to The Conversation’s recent post, “Five emerging trends that could change our lives online,” here are five trends that are about to make a significant impact:

Smarter AI

You may have already noticed personalized recommendations when you shop online or interact with a digital assistant like Alexa. This is powered by AI and machine learning, where software improves with experience. But the potential uses for this technology are limitless.

For example, Microsoft has invested billions in an AI-powered chatbot called ChatGPT, while Facebook’s parent company, Meta Platforms, is developing AI-powered software that can generate video from text prompts.

Enter the Metaverse

Imagine a virtual world where you can interact with others through a VR headset. That’s the idea behind the “metaverse.” Instead of a two-dimensional online profile, you’d have a 3D avatar that can talk to others in a virtual world modeled on the real one.

This could include 3D virtual shops that you can visit just like in real life. Apple and Qualcomm are developing advanced VR headsets with features like eye tracking and facial expression detection to make the experience even more immersive.

NFTs

To prevent the unauthorized use of digital creations in the metaverse, a non-fungible token (NFT) can certify their authenticity and ownership. YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter have all introduced NFTs to their user and advertiser bases.

Visa and Mastercard have also made purchasing NFTs possible with debit and credit cards. So despite a recent drop in the NFT market, they could still perform well in 2023.

Blockchains

A blockchain is like a public online ledger that could help create private online networks that are free from trolls, stalkers, and fraud. This is because information is stored across a network of computers rather than a single server, making it more secure and traceable.

Emerging online communities like DAOs (decentralized autonomous organizations) use blockchain to govern themselves more democratically.

“Workfluencers”

Businesses are taking a cue from social media influencers and using employee advocates, or “workfluencers,” to reach target audiences. This involves encouraging employees to share content on their social media profiles to convey the brand in a more authentic and relatable way.

These five trends are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the future of our online world. So keep an eye out for these exciting developments and get ready for a more immersive and, fingers crossed, a more secure online experience.

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