This article is part of a series exploring the key themes from the Metaverse Roadmap 2007—a foresight exercise conducted nearly two decades ago by a group of developers, technologists, and futurists from the games industry.
One of the strongest predictions in the Metaverse Roadmap was that individuals would take control of content creation, identity, and social interaction. At the time, we called this “Life-Logging”—the idea that people would continuously document, share, and curate their digital presence inside virtual spaces.
What we framed as persistent identity and social presence has since exploded into TikTok, YouTube creators, digital influencers, and AI-assisted content generation. And while these platforms are more “meta” in the sense that they are digital spaces rather than contained worlds like Second Life, they have still become the dominant stage for self-expression, economic opportunity, and social interaction.
The ability to capture, curate, and monetize personal experiences was once the domain of niche internet forums—now it drives the global entertainment and advertising industry.
The Tools of Production Have Changed
One of the most significant shifts has been the radical accessibility of content creation. What once required expensive software, technical expertise, and professional equipment can now be done in real-time with AI-assisted tools, mobile apps, and algorithm-driven distribution platforms.
The evolution of generative AI, real-time 3D rendering, and automated content workflows means that creating high-quality digital media is no longer a skill barrier—it’s an accessible, everyday activity.
Platforms themselves have become economic engines, where creators monetize through:
Subscriptions and direct fan support (Patreon, OnlyFans, Twitch).
Ad-driven and sponsorship-based revenue models (YouTube, TikTok).
Tokenized engagement and NFT-based content ownership, giving creators true control over their digital assets.
This shift has turned social media platforms into full-fledged economies, with influencers, AI-assisted content producers, and digital artists operating as businesses in their own right.
From User-Generated Worlds to Creator-Owned Economies
What started as user-generated content is now evolving into creator-owned economies. As blockchain, NFTs, and decentralized platforms gain traction, creators are beginning to own their content, audiences, and revenue streams in ways that weren’t possible before.
AI and automation allow creators to scale their output massively.
Blockchain ensures true ownership and monetization rights over digital work.
Decentralized content platforms are challenging traditional gatekeepers.
Just as Life-Logging predicted the rise of today’s social media landscape, this next evolution—from user-generated worlds to creator-owned economies—will redefine how digital expression, revenue models, and identity function in the digital age.
Now, we see this evolution coming full circle, as the ubiquity of fully digital environments like Roblox makes virtual spaces an integral part of everyday life for younger generations.
What was once a separate online world is now a social and economic landscape where kids grow up interacting, creating, and transacting—making digital identity and user-generated content not just an extension of reality, but a core part of it.