Meta

Explore the boundless possibilities of the metaverse with @keke behind the wheel. In the very first episode of “Are We There Yet?”, Meta’s @vishalshahis and Keke Palmer discuss how the metaverse brings people together like never before. From virtual comedy clubs to karaoke bars, there are so many worlds to explore.

When virtual and physical worlds collide, anything can happen. Digital creators unlock the possibilities of our tech and end up in all kinds of virtual and augmented environments. Check it out through the link in our bio.

Creators @institute_digital_fashion and @aaron___philip dreamed up a way to experience fashion and express your most authentic self in the metaverse. You’ll be able to draw inspiration from the places around you, design on the go, and wear your masterpiece instantly. Like Catty (@cattytay ) and Leanne (@leanneelliottyoung ) from IoDF say, “It’s like a living, breathing sculpture, like architecture around the body.” Aaron is also excited about the creative potential of the metaverse, "it feels surreal and real at the same time. It really does give other dimension, but outerwear. It's so sick.” We’re not able to experience fashion like this quite yet, but imagining all the possibilities of the future is an exciting step forward.

“I think it’s very important to have Muslim representation in the metaverse because we’re able to create a world that’s inclusive, that shows peace and love and real principles of Islam.” - Mai V. As part of our Metaverse Culture Series for Ramadan, we gave Ray-Ban Stories to a group of Muslim creators so they could capture and share an immersive view of the #MonthOfGood through their own perspectives. Featuring @aint.afraid , @calligrafist , @maisvault , @zulfiyeah .

@mikaelaloach is using Instagram to inspire thousands of Black community members to join the climate movement.

For @teamriverrunner , Facebook is the ‘great connector.’ The group uses Facebook to connect and empower active duty and retired military through community paddle sports. “Veterans need to be around veterans to navigate their difficulties,” Co-Founder Joe M. says. “We hear all the time this program saved their life.” Joe has seen the group grow to 60 chapters in 34 states that serve more than 2,000 people a year, including veterans with disabilities. During the pandemic, the group was unable to meet in person, but by using Facebook Live, Joe was able to continue to reach the community he serves. “During Covid, we used Facebook to do regular, bi-weekly workouts. For a half hour, Facebook Live was a direct contact.” From kayaking on the Potomac River to whitewater rafting through the Grand Canyon, Team River Runner’s impact extends to veterans across the country. “Kayaking meets a lot of healing needs,” Joe says. “I wanted to give service back to those who serve our nation.”

Like so many veterans, Jessica G. struggled with reintegration to ‘normal life’ after serving in the Air Force. When Hurricane Harvey hit her hometown of Houston, she immediately got to work cleaning up with veteran volunteers from @teamrubicon , a nonprofit disaster response organization. After, she joined a Team Rubicon Facebook Group to continue her rebuild mission, connect with other veterans, and be part of a team again. “Team Rubicon is unique in that it offers the opportunity to help in your community, but also the opportunity to work and heal yourself.” - Jessica G.

As we begin to build the metaverse together, we can bring our dreams of the future to life. What do you want to create first?

When Carter C. was two years old, he had a tragic accident and lost mobility on the left side of his body. As a teen and avid gamer, he's tried every gaming system using one hand. For the first time ever, Carter was motivated to use his left hand playing with Oculus Quest. Now, he's getting the hand to work thanks to the fun and immersion he's found playing in VR.

When Matt M. returned from serving in the Air Force in Iraq, it was difficult to readjust. After going through @getheadstrong , a program that offers no-cost mental health services to veterans, he started working with the organization. Matt decided to create a photo series on Facebook featuring veterans facing PTSD to eliminate the stigma around mental health challenges through photography, storytelling and connection. He’s now photographed hundreds of veterans and continues to share their stories on Facebook, building empathy and understanding.

"My advice to people with disabilities is: try to find an activity, and we'll discover our inspiration in living our lives." - Lekter, member of Run2Gether Facebook Group The Run2Gether Facebook Group was created by Chatchai for runners with disabilities and guide runners in Thailand—they train together and compete in mini marathons. Lekter and his twin brother are two of those runners, and when they run together, they're unstoppable.

"That's what's so amazing about this whole thing. It's not about making bluebird houses, never was. It's just about one simple guy trying to get through a real tough time." - Ron R. Devastated by the death of his wife, Ron turned to woodworking as a means of coping, building hundreds of birdhouses. His daughter, Kristy, shared the story and sold them on @facebookmarketplace . The @rudolphsbluebirdhouses inspired an entire community - one that continues to grow with the release of Kristy's new children's book, @riseuplittlebluebirds