The metaverse is already an essential part of life, and 'we're in another huge cycle' says LinkedIn cofounder and venture capitalist Reid Hoffman

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LinkedIn cofounder Reid Hoffman told CNBC Monday that the metaverse is already here.

Hoffman, who is also a partner at Silicon Valley venture capital firm Greylock, said the metaverse has been around for a while, with the internet being an «early version» of it. 

«We're already in it; it's already evolving, and it's already an essential part of our lives,» he told CNBC.

He said the «interesting question» is when the metaverse — which is now shorthand for the virtual world where people interact — becomes more akin to science fiction like the famed «Ready Player One» novel and film, where characters have immersive virtual experiences. Take going to a metaverse concert, for example, he said.

«There's going to be a ton