When considering next-generation AI, natural language processing (NLP) is one of the most talked about technologies. Yet, NLP has ramifications beyond AI.

One area that NLP will particularly impact is the Metaverse. In this article, we’ll explain what NLP is, why it matters, and how it could inform the direction of the Metaverse.

What is NLP?

NLP is a specific branch of computing most commonly distinguished as a proponent of AI. In terms of AI, NLP enables technologies to process and understand written and spoken words as the human brain does. It’s what enables Google Assistant and Alexa to respond to questions and carry out requests, and what services such as Otter use to transcribe spoken word recordings into words on a page.

So, why does this matter for AI? First and foremost, it’s about speed. When AI is better at understanding the information it is fed, it can complete more computations more quickly. However, NLP supports AI in other ways, too.

Beyond speed, it enables AI technologies to provide users with clearer, more accurate responses, improves the uptake of AI services and platforms, and streamlines processing for quicker ROI.

NLP and the Metaverse

As a technology sector, AI has lots of applications in the Metaverse, from light-speed data processing to hyper-personalization. NLP will address a cross-section of use cases in the virtual ecosystems that will eventually form the structure of the Metaverse.

Fluid Immersion

Firstly, there is the UX, particularly in fully-immersive VR. Today, most actions undertaken by people using VR equipment are done so through a handheld device. Although the technology for tracking eye movements and expressions exists, it’s not until you introduce voice activation that users can experience the kind of realism and fluidity that Metaverse pioneers dream of.

NLP enables this through speech recognition. With NLP, users can use their voice to navigate the Metaverse. For example, you may be able to change the weather, the time, the landscape, or any other tangible feature simply by requesting it. This means that users can access enhanced experiences through the Metaverse, where virtual worlds provide a degree of manipulation that is impossible IRL.

Meaningful Discourse

Beyond this, NLP also enables more meaningful interactions and relationships with avatars and other digital characters or assets. For example, companies could use AI avatars as assistants to help users navigate virtual premises for a better customer experience.

This degree of human-like communication will have profound consequences for organizations entering the Metaverse. They will be able to understand better and engage customers. They will be able to provide an exceptional level of personalized customer service 24/7. And, by outsourcing duties to capable AI service providers, they will save a huge amount in labor costs.

Protection

There is a serious concern that some users may be subject to abuse in the Metaverse, with trolling, hate speech, and other existing problems migrating from Web 2.0 to Web 3.0. NLP can help in this area, too.

When technology can easily understand and interpret natural language, it’s easier to spot undesirable actions. When this information is flagged, users can be ejected from platforms, which will protect other users. Furthermore, the technology could even identify potentially vulnerable users to such attacks and preemptively activate measures to support them.

Wrap Up

It has already been suggested that to populate Metaverse platforms, some organizations may turn to AI avatars. If this goes wrong, the outlook is terrible. However, if it works, companies may convince more users to give the Metaverse a try.

Why? because instead of a handful of in-the-know users patroling infinite spaces, Metaverse worlds would contain hundreds of thousands, even millions, of other digital beings living, working, and experiencing a life impossible in the physical world. NLP makes this a reality.

Ultimately, the aim is to make the Metaverse feel as real as possible. When a technology like NLP is working in the background, the accessibility of virtual worlds will increase with every user interaction.

Kieron Allen

My Metaverse Minute Host
Editor

AREAS OF EXPERTISE

• Metaverse
• Web 3.0

• LinkedIn

Kieron Allen is an Acceleration Economy Analyst examining the innovation, opportunity and future impact of the Metaverse on culture, work, social engagement, vertical industries, the customer and more. With a passion for understanding how the virtual and physical worlds bridge through the metaverse, Allen focuses on the platforms, applications, people and ideas that will mold our digital future. After serving as the Online Editor for BBC Sky at Night Magazine and as the Editorial Assistant for BBC Focus Magazine, Kieron became a freelance journalist in 2015 where his focus on the business technology market became a key passion. Kieron partners with technology start-ups and organizations that share his interests in science, social affairs, non-profit work, fashion and the arts.