Social media has been one of the defining technologies of the past few decades, holloing out a digital social space where billions of users can converge and connect. In 2023, nearly 5 billion people across the globe use social media regularly, with this figure only expected to continue rising over the coming years.
The driving factor behind social media adoption has always been the ability of users around the globe to connect with others in their network. Both locally and globally, the ability to reach out to those in your environment, strike up a conversation, or share ideas has become a phenomenon that has shaped the internet.
Yet, experts believe that the social media industry is on the verge of a new evolution. Supported by the developing Web 3 technologies, industry leaders envision a new era of social media that is driven by real-world interaction. Of those leading this charge into the new era, Peer continuously stays ahead of the curve. Peer predicts that Augmented Reality (AR) tools will allow users to interact with social media in a new way.
Blurring the lines between the digital and real worlds will allow for social media to become further implemented into our daily lives. With its immense popularity, alongside the rapidly evolving AR and blockchain technologies that can support this new iteration, we expect the new age of social media to come faster than anyone previously expected.
What would AR-driven social media look like?
Augmented reality is developing in a number of interesting ways. Both within digital spheres, augmented reality is now more popular than ever before, with users being able to create models, use filters, and craft the real world through their digital devices.
Yet, by far the most interesting use of AR is when used in conjunction with the real world rather than in opposition to it. Peer, a leading multi-blockchain platform, is working on two AR tools – the Genesis, an AR headset, and the Peer Glasses, AR glasses for everyday use. By using these AR tools, users will be able to implement a layer of digital connection in their real world.
For example, users could traverse through their city and see messages that other social media users have left at certain locations. By including AR technologies as an extension of social media, people will be able to interact with their immediate environments in new and exciting ways.
Instead of only existing inside a screen, social media would suddenly become an active and location-based object to interact with. With AR devices, you can see any number of comments, messages, or events linked to certain locations. Launching from your screen into the real world, social media would become something you can almost reach out and touch.
By developing AR technologies for mass consumption, companies like Peer are paving the way for this new era of enhanced social media. And, considering how quickly development is moving, this future world that intertwines the digital and physical could be just around the corner.
How users benefit from this new iteration of social media interaction
Social media is already one of the leading modern technologies, with billions of users interacting with it on a daily basis. Yet, as we incorporate AR technologies into the mix, the extent to which we can truly connect and relate to others will radically change.
There are a number of exciting benefits of incorporating AR technologies into social media:
- Live Events – When walking through a city, your AR glasses could signal buildings where certain events are happening. Without missing a beat, you’ll be able to find unique opportunities, experiences, and events to enjoy – no matter where you are.
- Instantly Access Reviews – After watching an event, a play, or a live experience, users could leave their thoughts for others to see. Without needing to look up reviews or recommendations, you could instantly access others’ personal thoughts and comments on the experience, helping to determine if it’s something you would want to see yourself.
- Location-Based Messaging – If you want to leave a message for your roommate at home, you only need to drop the message on your AR-driven social media app. As it exists in this location-dependent digital world, they will see the message as soon as they get home.
- Changing your Geographic Landscape – With AR, you could leave messages to yourself or write notes down that connect to physical locations. You will be able to shape the world around you, giving yourself advice, recommendations, or reminders that exist in your physical/digital world.
AR for the real world is the next step toward forging an innovative pathway for social media to take. Already at its point of saturation within Web 2, the Web 3 technologies we have available to us are ready to change this industry for the better.
Final thoughts
AR-driven social media could be a defining technology that shapes the way we interact with both the digital and real worlds. By connecting physical locations to our ongoing web of social media content, people could create a more personalized environment in their local area. Companies like Peer lead this charge, developing AR technology that will allow people to easily enter into AR-driven social media worlds.
As we continue to use augmented reality technologies to propel the utility of social media forward, we’re likely going to see a new wave of utility. Beyond just connecting with others around the globe, users will be able to interact with others in their immediate circle, create new local digital geographies, and shape how they use social tools.
As blockchain and other emerging technologies continue to sustain the growth of social media, the next iteration of global connectivity seems closer than ever.
Featured image credit: fabio/Unsplash
