This is just me brainstorming random ideas here.

Core Concept

The idea is to potentially develop a VR platform that operates on Fediverse principles, allowing users to experience virtual reality without the constant surveillance and data harvesting associated with big tech companies. This decentralized VR system would be interconnected with the existing Fediverse infrastructure, potentially creating a "Fedi-verse" – a virtual space where Fediverse users can interact in 3D environments.

Key Features

1. Decentralized Architecture: Utilizing federated protocols to ensure no single entity controls the platform.
2. Privacy-Focused: Minimal data collection, with user information stored locally or on trusted instances.
3. Open Standards: Encouraging interoperability and community-driven development.
4. User-Owned Spaces: Allowing users to create and fully own their virtual environments.
5. Integration with Fediverse Services: Seamless connection with existing Fediverse platforms like Mastodon, PeerTube, etc.

Inspiration and References

This concept draws inspiration from projects like Decentraland, which has shown the potential of blockchain-based virtual worlds. However, my proposed system would be more closely aligned with Fediverse principles and technologies.

For those interested in exploring this concept further, I recommend checking out the following resources:
- Decentraland: decentraland.org/
- Research on decentralizing VR: researchgate.net/publication/3…
- Blockchain in VR: umatechnology.org/how-blockcha…

While I lack the technical expertise, time, and energy to implement this idea myself, I personally believe that it presents an exciting opportunity for the Fediverse community.

This project could SIGNIFICANTLY enhance the Fediverse ecosystem, offering users a unique, immersive, and privacy-respecting VR experience that aligns with the values of decentralization and user empowerment.

I look forward to any thoughts or feedback from the community.

cross-posted from: beehaw.org/post/17602033

You are the victim of a con — one so pernicious that you’ve likely tuned it out despite the fact it’s part of almost every part of your life. It hurts everybody you know in different ways, and it hurts people more based on their socioeconomic status. It pokes and prods and twists millions of little parts of your life, and it’s everywhere, so you have to ignore it, because complaining about it feels futile, like complaining about the weather.

It isn’t. You’re battered by the Rot Economy, and a tech industry that has become so obsessed with growth that you, the paying customer, are a nuisance to be mitigated far more than a participant in an exchange of value. A death cult has taken over the markets, using software as a mechanism to extract value at scale in the pursuit of growth at the cost of user happiness.

These people want everything from you — to control every moment you spend working with them so that you may provide them with more ways to make money, even if doing so doesn’t involve you getting anything else in return. Meta, Amazon, Apple, Microsoft and a majority of tech platforms are at war with the user, and, in the absence of any kind of consistent standards or effective regulations, the entire tech ecosystem has followed suit. A kind of Coalition of the Willing of the worst players in hyper-growth tech capitalism.

Things are being made linearly worse in the pursuit of growth in every aspect of our digital lives, and it’s because everything must grow, at all costs, at all times, unrelentingly, even if it makes the technology we use every day consistently harmful.

This year has, on some level, radicalized me, and today I’m going to explain why. It’s going to be a long one, because I need you to fully grasp the seriousness and widespread nature of the problem.

I've been thinking about the potential for a decentralized, federated version of the new social media platform Neptune.

For those unfamiliar, Neptune is a rising star in the social media world that's gaining traction on Tiktok for its unique approach to content creation and distribution, especially given the whole TikTok situation.

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Here's a quick overview:

What is Neptune?

• A new social media app focused on decentralizing media
• Empowers creators with customizable content feeds
• Uses "ghost metrics" to highlight work without the pressure of visible likes/shares
• Aims to foster genuine connections and community
• Similar to TikTok but with a stronger emphasis on integrity and user control
• Has gained over 5,000 sign-ups and built an active Discord community

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The Fediverse Opportunity

Given the Fediverse's commitment to decentralization and user empowerment, I wonder if there's any potential to create a federated alternative that captures Neptune's best features while leveraging the strengths of the Fediverse, or would we just be basically remaking Loops by Pixelfed?

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Some questions to consider:

1. How could we implement customizable content feeds in a federated environment?
2. Is there a way to incorporate "ghost metrics" or similar concepts to reduce social pressure?
3. What existing Fediverse projects might serve as a foundation for this kind of platform?
4. How can we ensure creator empowerment while maintaining the open, interconnected nature of the Fediverse?

I lack the technical skills, as well as the time, to tackle this myself, but I'm curious about the community's thoughts.

Has anyone considered a project like this?

What challenges and/or opportunities do you see?

Looking forward to hearing your ideas.

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Neptune's official website: theneptuneapp.com/

Neptune Discord:
discord.gg/theneptuneapp

A discussion about Neptune on Linus Tech Tips forum: linustechtips.com/topic/159237…

youtu.be/GZRuRpzFslg?si=F3W9q4…

Neptune App TikTok:
tiktok.com/@theneptuneapp?_t=8…