Facebook is undoubtedly a defining phenomenon for the next generation. It has redefined the notions of communication and connectivity, news gathering, social interaction, and e-commerce for billions of people all over the globe. The company was initially a social media network. However, it has evolved to become a cultural icon that represents how people interact with one another, keep track milestones within a community, and maybe even connect with other people who share similar interests.
Facebook's most bold move to date is its recent transformation and rebranding into Meta. CEO Mark Zuckerberg officially announced it earlier this week. Meta is a combination of the company's larger vision to connect people and new, cutting-edge technology that will revolutionize social interaction. According to the press release, the metaverse will be a mix of online social experiences and physical interactions. You can share immersive experiences with others even if you are not able to be there. It also allows you to do things you cannot do together in the real world. It is the next generation in a long list of social technologies and it marks a new chapter in our company's history.
The announcement of this change was long overdue. Over the past few years, the company has made significant investments in embracing new communication methods, particularly in virtual and augmented reality. Meta is the culmination of all these efforts. However, it is also a stage for many other innovations.
MENLO PARK (CALIFORNIA) - OCTOBER 28, 2018: Facebook launches its new brand, Meta at their... [+] headquarters in Menlo Park on October 28, 2021. Meta will be focusing on bringing about a future in the metaverse and beyond. (Photo by Kelly Sullivan/Getty Images For Facebook) Getty Images For Facebook
Although there has been much talk about how the technology will transform learning and social interaction, the Metaverse could also revolutionize healthcare.
The company describes the Metaverse broadly as a collection of digital spaces that allow you to do things that you cannot do in the real world. It will be marked by social presence, which is the feeling of being right there with someone, regardless of where they are located. The Metaverse opens up a world of possibilities in the areas of telehealth and virtual care. It could be a game-changing breakthrough in medicine, especially if it elevates virtual care from a 2d experience to a 3d one.
Similar ventures are being taken on by other innovation giants. I wrote earlier this year about Microsoft's Mesh platform and its attempt to embrace mixed reality. It may also disrupt healthcare. Industry veterans are investing billions in understanding how augmented or virtual reality can improve the delivery of medicine and perhaps even mimic physical presence, which is one of the major limitations of telehealth.
But Metaverses potential goes even further. Metaverse's connectivity isn't something someone does; rather, it is something one lives in. The Metaverse could be a new way for people to connect with each other, a new place to do business, or a place to receive healthcare.
Elza Uzmanoff, a Facebook employee, tests out the Oculus device at its corporate headquarters in Menlo Park (California) on October 23, 2019. (Photo by Josh Edelson / AFP). (Photo taken by JOSH EDELSON/AFP through Getty Images) AFP via Getty Images
Facebook is already working on Smart Glasses, and its Oculus virtual reality platform. These devices may become as integral to one's body as a smartwatch or cellphone. It was 20 years ago that no one could have imagined that a watch or phone would be worn on the body for nearly 24 hours per day. But today it is a part of everyday life. It has potential to be used in healthcare if connectivity devices become an integral part of the daily human experience. Remote monitoring of critical patients; better data and insight into clinical outcomes (e.g. blood sugar monitoring, heart rhythm tracking, etc. ); Augmented tracking of your physical health virtually; and far more advanced apps that go beyond our current capabilities.
This raises a lot of questions about privacy, security and patient safety. Although the technology has the potential to change medicine, the Metaverse will not be able to protect patient privacy or security. With so many connectivity options, there are significant vulnerabilities that could emerge. This raises the question of what steps will be taken to ensure ethical conduct.
It is possible, but it remains to be done. Is it possible to push for healthcare transition into digital and virtual realms? This could have incredible benefits. However, if this is not done properly, it could also threaten the personal nature of the patient-physician relationship. In the midst of all the technological advances, healthcare cannot be lost.
Facebook's leadership (now Metaverses), has a daunting task ahead of them in order to navigate and decipher this exciting and new territory. There are many applications for this technology, particularly in medicine and healthcare delivery. It will take time to see if and how this technology can be used to enhance healthcare in a safe, secure and patient-centric way.
