This article explores the question of whether the metaverse can possess a soul by analyzing the concepts of memory, self-identity, and presence in the digital world.
Memory in the Digital World
In various cultures, memory is often linked to the essence of the soul. Creating a digital identity on the blockchain, whether through NFTs or virtual land, leaves behind a memory that continues to exist in the digital realm. The project *The Row*, representing luxury homes in the metaverse, illustrates that these digital spaces can hold family histories, passing down from generation to generation.
Philosophy of Self
The question of self has long been debated by philosophers. What makes us 'I'? Many believe that our digital identity and actions in the virtual world can be a part of ourselves. Santiago Siri, the founder of *Democracy Earth*, observed that in the age of blockchains, identity is shaped not by what we say but by what we do and what remains recorded.
Presence in a World Without Touch
The pandemic has shown how people form connections and create meaningful moments in the metaverse. Examples of virtual weddings and interactions emphasize that presence is possible even without physical contact. In the metaverse, emotions and memory still matter, even when expressed through lines of code.
The metaverse presents a unique format in which memory, identity, and emotional connection take on new significance. While it may not have a soul in the human sense, its life is defined by our interactions and the memories we leave behind.
