As large companies such as Microsoft and Facebook race towards ‘The Metaverse’, there are many questions as to what the future of technology holds and the increasingly dominant presence of virtual reality in our everyday lives. Fears about the effects of developing technology on humanity are as old as its beginnings. When radio was first developed, there were fears that it would render children illiterate. When the television came, there were concerns that it would ruin family relationships and destroy the art of conversation. Then when the internet came, with increasing capacities for global connections, there were and continue to be countless scares about its effect on people’s mental health and social wellbeing. 

As we now approach the age of AI and The Metaverse, there are a range of justifiable concerns that have been raised, ranging from addictive usage behaviors to worries around privacy, data, and online safety. 

Whilst many of the claims seem overexaggerated to the avid tech-user, there is some truth to be found in their concerns. It is still quite recent that Facebook, in collaboration with Cambridge Analytica, harvested the personal data of millions of online users to influence and consult on political campaigns. Additionally, with the 2020 release of the Netflix documentary ‘The Social Dilemma’, we got an insight into the engineering of social media addiction, and its impact on society.

“The only morality of the algorithm is to optimise you as a consumer and in many cases you become the product. There are very few examples in human history of industries where people themselves become products and those are scary industries – slavery and the sex trade. And now we have social media.”  – Christopher Wylie, Cambridge Analytica Whistleblower

However, in the same breath, living in the modern western world, it almost seems impossible to imagine a world without technology. Over the pandemic, we saw how crucial online meetings platforms such as zoom were in keeping up with both work and social engagements. God forbid, I should ever get caught in a foreign location without google maps to assist me. Also, it’s kinda handy having all my data stored in the cloud, because who really wants to keep typing in your password and email address every time you want to log in somewhere?

Aside from the more administrative uses, as a digital artist, I’ve also seen how technology has revolutionised the artistic process for many creators. From filmmakers to illustrators, fashion designers, and artists – the advancement of tech is a thrilling investment, both in the development and distribution of new works. 

Last week we had the opportunity to visit Instagram’s new motion art installation in collaboration with anti-disciplinary femme-focused creative agency ‘HERVISIONS’. The exhibition presented a digital portrait of Gen Z British creatives, showcasing reels from over 50 young content creators, who are each shaping the future of their online communities. From make-up artists and fashion designers to graphic designers and fine artists, there is a fast-growing, online community of young creatives who are taking ownership of the tech space to create work, showcase their talents, and/ or connect meaningfully with others.

Captivatingly showcasing this diverse and ever-changing creative digital landscape, a centerpiece, motion installation titled ‘Yours to Make: Fluid Imaginarium’, fused gaming technology and experimental artwork to reflect the fluidity of British youth culture. Created by Zaiba Jabbar, founder of HERVISIONS, the work seeks to depict the ‘fluid, connected, and self-evolving nature of British Gen Z’s. Watching the piece and journeying through the multi-dimensional fantasy world, I found myself pondering the capacity of young digital creatives, activists, and internet warriors, to completely transform the future of our impending virtual reality. 

“More than any generation before, British Generation Z have unlimited access to information. This has created a constant state of open-mindedness and change.’ – Zaiba Jabbar,

The next generation is already light years ahead of us in terms of navigating technological devices, social media, and the likes. Additionally, more and more we’re seeing the promotion of free STEM courses for people from underrepresented backgrounds, with the aim of breaking down barriers of access to lucrative skills such as coding. With this allows for a greater capacity for young people to tell their own stories, in their own ways, through their own means.

As inferred by the installation title ‘Yours to Make’, technology has truly allowed for a limitless playing field of exploration, creation and connection. However, unlike many years ago where the interests and efforts of the boisterous and innovative youth may have been stifled by monopoly powers, this decentralised era knows no bounds. Young people truly have the opportunity to shift and shape the future according to our passions, beliefs and interests; and honestly, from what was showcased at the exhibition – I believe this future will be magical. 

We want to hear what the future of tech holds for you? Or rather, what do you hold in store for the future of Tech?

Submit your answers to our word cloud here: https://www.menti.com/r43mev4ivp