Neal Stephenson《Snow Crash》 Metaverse 1992
The concept of the “metaverse” was first proposed in the science fiction novel “Snow Crash” written by Neal Stephenson, which also put forward the idea of “digital twins.”
In the novel, the metaverse is a virtual 3D space that users can enter through devices to interact with other users.
Stephenson depicted the metaverse as a 3D version of the internet, where users can create their own virtual avatars to explore different virtual scenes, conduct transactions, and other activities.
The protagonist Hiro Protagonist is a pizza delivery man in the real world, but in the metaverse he takes on the role of a swordsman and hacker. He owns his own virtual territory in the metaverse and has established a nightclub called “Black Sun.” The contrast between his virtual and real identities reflects how the virtual world can enjoy immerse experiences that are unattainable in his real world.
Ordinary people can gain entirely new experiences and possibilities through their virtual identities. Hiro’s dissatisfaction with his real life drives him to actively develop his metaverse persona and career.