The metaverse represents a cross-section of a multitude of technologies – virtual reality and augmented reality, among others—connected together to create a network of virtual spaces. These artificial environments have long been imagined in the sci-fi worlds of films, books, and video games. Here, we provide a brief history of some of the most prominent examples of metaverses in modern media.
![A Brief History of the Metaverse in Pop Culture](https://www.ie.edu/insights/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Timeline-Idea-1.jpg)
![](https://www.ie.edu/insights/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Lightbox-Design.jpg)
![Snow Crash](https://www.ie.edu/insights/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Lightbox-Design-Snow-Crash.jpg)
![Disclosure](https://www.ie.edu/insights/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Lightbox-Design-Disclosure.jpg)
![The Matrix](https://www.ie.edu/insights/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Lightbox-Design-The-Matrix.jpg)
![Second Life](https://www.ie.edu/insights/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Lightbox-Design-Second-Life.jpg)