If you are ever looking to be soul crushingly disappointed, follow this helpful guide:

Step 1. Read Snow Crash. Imagine the wonders and the infinite possibilities of the Metaverse. Browse Wikipedia and read up on persistent online worlds, read articles on the subject, technological discussions, forums. Become extremely excited about the future of these playgrounds for coders, canvases for architects and dreamers, meeting grounds, game palaces, escapist’s dreams.

Step 2. Download and play Second Life.

Step 3. Despair.