Published Sep 28, 2023

Mark Zuckerberg: First Interview in the Metaverse | Lex Fridman Podcast #398

Mark Zuckerberg delves into the revolutionary world of the Metaverse with photorealistic avatars, mixed reality technologies like Quest 3, and AI innovation, exploring their potential to redefine human identity, interaction, and societal connections in both digital and physical realms.
Episode Highlights
Lex Fridman Podcast logo

Popular Clips

Episode Highlights

  • Photorealism

    Mark Zuckerberg explores the transformative potential of photorealistic avatars in digital environments. He suggests that these avatars could bridge the gap between physical and digital interactions, making virtual experiences more relatable and immersive 1. The technology aims to capture subtle expressions, enhancing communication by mimicking real-life interactions 2. Lex Fridman reflects on the philosophical implications of identity in the digital realm, questioning whether we are the avatars or the entities controlling them 3.

    It's a deep philosophical question...if a lot of people are interacting with the digital version of ourselves, who are we really?

    ---

    Zuckerberg believes that both expressive and photorealistic avatars will have their place in the evolving digital landscape.

       

    Blending Realities

    The Metaverse is envisioned as a seamless blend of digital and physical realities, offering new paradigms for interaction. Zuckerberg discusses the philosophical and ethical challenges of defining boundaries within this blended world, where digital actions may not have the same consequences as in the physical realm 4. Lex highlights the potential for virtual intimacy, noting how subtle expressions can convey deep emotions even across distances 5. The fusion of digital and physical experiences is likened to seeing color for the first time, offering a fundamentally new way of perceiving reality 6.

    This feels like just an incredible transition to something else, to the different kind of communication breaks all barriers, like geographic, physical barriers.

    ---

    Zuckerberg emphasizes that the future lies in this harmonious integration of worlds.

       

    Immersive Interactions

    Immersive interactions in the Metaverse promise to redefine social connections, making them more meaningful and realistic. Lex describes the experience of using photorealistic avatars as a groundbreaking way to connect, capturing the nuances of human expression 7. The realism achieved in these virtual spaces allows for a sense of presence that transcends physical distance, creating an intimate atmosphere 8. Zuckerberg envisions the Metaverse as a platform that combines the richness of the digital world with the profound nature of physical presence, enhancing human interaction 9.

    This is truly, truly incredible. I just wanted to take it in. I'm still getting used to it. It's you. It's really you.

    ---

    He believes this will be the most human and social computing platform ever created.