Black Mirror

Few series have examined the potential benefits and the dystopian fears that can arise from metaverse technologies quite like Black Mirror (BBC; available on Netflix in the US). Each episode serves as a fresh take on the classic Twilight Zone, delving into different facets of metaverse technology, all of which are compelling watches.

Each installment engages with some component of the metaverse, whether it’s artificial intelligence, virtual reality, or human interactions online. Here are three notable episodes that illustrate the show's range:

The Entire History of You

In this episode, individuals can record and replay their memories from their own perspective. A standout moment occurs when Liam and Ffion appear to be having an intimate moment, leading viewers to think they are reconciling through passionate interaction, while they are actually re-experiencing the memory via their "grain."

Nosedive

This episode introduces Lacie, whose life is governed by a rating system that evaluates every interaction. Initially rated at 4.2, she feels embarrassed by her low-status brother and aspires to improve her social standing. When asked to speak at a friend's wedding, her journey spirals downward, exacerbated by the relentless feedback loops of the rating system.

Playtest

In this episode, thrill-seeker Cooper tests a cutting-edge video game that immerses him in a terrifying horror experience using advanced technology.

Westworld

Westworld, an original series from HBO, navigates a vast array of technological and societal issues. It begins as a form of augmented reality where AI robots enhance the role-playing experiences of participants. However, it delves deeper into themes of consciousness, free will, ethics, and the effects of predictive AI.

Upload

Upload is a dark comedy from Amazon Prime that envisions a future where human consciousness can be uploaded to a metaverse-afterlife. Competing service providers aim to attract customers. Unlike the more serious tone of some Black Mirror episodes, this series humorously explores dystopian elements through free-to-play game mechanics and aspects of contemporary online culture.

The Feed

Set in the near future, The Feed depicts a society where tiny chips implanted in the brain enable individuals to access and share their experiences on a global feed.

Altered Carbon

Adapted from Richard K. Morgan's 2002 novel, Altered Carbon is set in a world where consciousness can be transferred between bodies. The first season takes place in 2384 and examines the line between memories and the physical body, rebranding human flesh as "sleeves" and storing memories on a hard drive in the back of the neck.

Mr. Robot

Mr. Robot follows Elliot, a cybersecurity programmer and nighttime hacker. When approached by the leader of an underground hacking group to dismantle his employer, Elliot's loyalties are put to the test. The series explores themes of cybersecurity, secret organizations, subjective experiences, and the fragility of capitalism.

Ghost in the Shell: Standalone Complex

Ghost in the Shell: Standalone Complex is an anime series that follows Section 9's investigation into the kidnapping and release of a CEO by a hacker in a world where corporations engage in a "sustainable war." It addresses topics such as augmented and virtual reality, collective intelligence, AI, and the military-industrial complex.

Sword Art Online

Set in 2022, Sword Art Online is a virtual reality massively multiplayer online role-playing game (VRMMORPG) that fully immerses players in the online experience. Using a NerveGear helmet, players can engage all five senses in the virtual realm and control their avatars with their thoughts.

Love Death + Robots

Love Death + Robots presents a series of short stories that explore the past lives of robots through alternate histories. Spanning multiple genres, it offers various unique perspectives that can be humorous or chilling, providing insights into the realm of AI.

Star Trek

Many modern VR creators aspire to achieve the immersive quality of the Holodeck from Star Trek: The Next Generation. The series covers an array of topics, including artificial intelligence, the status of cybernetic and virtual beings, and various games.

One particularly memorable episode features a form of virtual reality facilitated by alien technology rather than the Holodeck: "Inner Light." This episode contemplates what an "ancestor simulation" might entail—a concept central to the simulation hypothesis and referenced in other series like Black Mirror and Upload. In it, Captain Jean-Luc Picard experiences an entire lifetime in a simulation that feels entirely real, despite only minutes passing in reality. Will future metaverse technologies attempt to replicate this level of fidelity?

Person of Interest

Person of Interest centers around billionaire Harold Finch, who possesses a computer that predicts who will be killed, when, and how to avert such tragedies. With a sophisticated security system, Harold can track and eliminate almost anyone worldwide by tapping into their phones, computers, and vehicle systems.

Mythic Quest

Mythic Quest is an Apple TV original that follows a game studio responsible for creating an MMORPG named Mythic Quest. While humorously portraying the gaming industry, it also sheds light on the behind-the-scenes dynamics of game development, illustrating how reality influences the virtual world—covering everything from office politics to the role of livestreaming influencers.

Other Books and Movies

Interested in further exploring fiction that has either inspired or cautioned against the metaverse?

• Check out my article on various books related to the metaverse.
• Prefer films? Take a look at my movie guide focused on the metaverse.

Further Reading

• Curious about the origins of the term "metaverse"? Read more on its background, related concepts, and etymology.
• “The Metaverse Value Chain” provides insight into the seven industries contributing to the metaverse.
• Browse my “Building the Metaverse Megadeck” for a casual look at what the metaverse entails.
• "9 Megatrends Shaping the Metaverse" discusses significant technological and social trends that will influence its future.

Did I overlook something?

If you have a favorite book about the metaverse that isn't mentioned here, feel free to tweet me. If enough people express interest, I'll be sure to add it to the list—and probably read it too!

This article was created in collaboration with Erin McCarrie.