The metaverse: a brave new world where we’ll work, socialise, and live out our digital dreams. Or so we’re told. From tech giants like Meta (formerly Facebook) to countless startups, everyone seems to be racing to build the metaverse, heralding it as the next great evolution of the internet. Virtual real estate is being sold for millions, companies are investing in virtual storefronts, and pundits are waxing lyrical about a digital utopia just around the corner.