Media in the Metaverse: NYT’s Kevin Roose on the Future of Crypto

This episode is sponsored by Quantstamp and Nexo.io.

“I don't think we should feel like this is going to be entirely a good thing … if Web 3 is becoming more like the offline world, in the sense of being exclusive and gate-kept in the ways that our physical world has been for so long.”

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Web 3, the metaverse and non-fungible tokens (NFTs) have potential to be a force for good in the world, to improve decentralization, raise underrepresented voices and empower creators. But with a digital land grab for virtual real estate growing fast, will people soon find themselves locked out of the metaverse?

Joining “Money Reimagined” hosts Michael Casey and Sheila Warren is Kevin Roose, New York Times tech columnist and author of “Futureproof,” a cautiously optimistic look into an automated, AI-filled and algorithmically driven future. Roose has also delved into the world of crypto: In March of 2021, he wrote a column explaining NFTs, and then sold that column as an NFT for 350 ETH ($1.14 million at current prices).

The future is rapidly approaching, and the crypto industry is determined to establish its place in it. Web 3 is shaping up in opposition to the current Web 2, moving away from the centralized, data-driven approach of today's internet. Alongside Web 3 is the metaverse, where individuals can fragment themselves into two parts: their physical self and their digital persona.

Before Web 3 and the metaverse take hold, important discussions should be had now about the opportunities and obstacles abound in a crypto future. What is the role of media in Web 3? What responsibilities do journalists in the crypto sector have today? Is it possible to remain hopeful and yet cautious of crypto’s role in shaping the coming years?

See also: Who Writes the Story of the Metaverse

This episode was produced and edited by Michele Musso with announcements by Adam B. Levine and additional production support by Eleanor Pahl. Our theme song is “Shepard.”