In many ways we've already been in a metaverse for a hundred year now. The popularization of Hollywood, celebrities, and the stock market are fine exemplars of

In many ways we've already been in a metaverse for a hundred year now. The popularization of Hollywood, celebrities, and the stock market are fine exemplars of its manifestation (a la Baudrillard). Perhaps it's only natural. As a soceity, we are always seeking to lower the cost of obtaining stimuli and qualia. Things got complicated as we improved our living condition (making the shift from hunter-gathering to farming, and in the modern time migrating from rural to urban for job opportunities and access to facilities and infrastructure like universities, indie music scene, etc) The complexity of a modern life makes it more difficult/costly to experience authentic human connection for the city dwellers (e.g. vs tribes who are still hunter-gathers). We also lost our connections with the terrains and plants. As a coping mechanism most people look for cheaper alternatives to obtain stimuli and qualia. It's sad but there is very little we can do about that. For the minority of us who realized this is a problem, I believe the only way out is to acheive hyper-intelligence (e.g. by becoming an expert in a field and taking psychedelics) so you can be the master of your physiology and mind, while still be able to get complex work done and be resourceful and affluent. [edit: elaboration]