🎬 A glimpse into the blockchain-powered metaverse: implications for work and employment in the Web 3.0 economy

Link to recording: https://youtu.be/RZ05ZqmMaUQ

Facebook’ recent name change to Meta is not just a clever marketing move to ditch a controversial brand but a confirmation that our social, business and work lives are inevitably moving towards a digital virtual reality of Web 3.0. COVID-19 accelerated greatly the process of digital transformation. However, the current clunky experience of Zoom work meetings is just a steppingstone to a fully immersive, multisensory digital reality ownable by the user – the metaverse. Blockchain technology, recognised as the heart of the Fourth Industrial Revolution, may determine whether the metaverse(s) will turn into a dystopia controlled by big tech corporations and an increasing socio-economic inequality or a more democratic society with egalitarian socio-economic opportunities. This interactive presentation discusses the implications of these two scenarios for work and employment and gives the audience a hands-on opportunity to interact with a metaverse run on an open public blockchain. Participants are encouraged to download two free applications, Bitcoin Testnet Wallet and Metamask, as per instructions below, for the full experience.   This is an interactive hands-on presentation where the audience is encouraged to download and use two free and safe mobile applications to fully enjoy the benefits of the presentation. No other pre-reading is required. There is no need to use any fiat money or cryptocurrencies in the activities. When activating the applications, please carefully write down on paper the secret phrases and store them safely offline (never make any digital copies or pictures of these).  

To better understand to open public decentralised blockchain please download and activate the free Bitcoin Testnet Wallet (instructions here: https://decus.medium.com/guidance-how-to-get-a-bitcoin-testnet-wallet-and-claim-test-coins-38f20f9bec42)

To access the some of the virtual metaverses and interact with them please learn about Metamask and download the application here: https://metamask.io/

About the Speaker

Dr Andrzej Gwizdalski

Andrzej’s research explores the impact of emerging technologies on society, economy and work. He championed blockchain education by designing one of Australia’s first comprehensive master level units, BUSN5001 Blockchain and Distributed Ledger Technologies in Business, which he teaches at UWA Business School. He has recently developed a full Master program in Blockchain and Digital Assets (seeking formal approval). Andrzej works with industry partners, Indigenous entrepreneurs, artists and communities on implementing blockchain technologies in their projects.

Venue

RSVP to Diane Garnham is essential (diane.garnham@curtin.edu.au)

• In person: Future of Work Institute, 78 Murray Street Perth (Building P01)
• Online: Microsoft Teams