Is Facebook turning into Google? Well, it sure did make a Google-esque move by purchasing hardware in hopes of it working autonomously with its social media network. What in the world does a social networking behemoth have to do with the Oculus VR headset to make them want to invest in the company? Hey, I get to ask questions too, considering the entire Internet is confused. Oculus is an incredibly successful Kickstarter startup that makes virtual reality gaming headset, the Oculus Rift. Despite its popularity and funding, the product has only been made available in the form of a developer kit thus far. Worth about $2 billion dollars, Oculus has been changing the possibilities of the gaming world. That's probably why a company who began less than two years back, and hasn't even made it to market yet, has so much worth. After the initial shock and confusion of Facebook buying it, my next question was, “What would a virtual reality social network life look like?”.

Facebook's Mark Zuckerberg believes he has the answer in making this odd marriage work. He gave a demonstration Tuesday night after announcing he was buying the headset for the $2 billion it is worth. Zukerberg wrote, “After games, we're going to make Oculus a platform for many other experiences. Imagine enjoying a courtside seat at a game, studying in a classroom of students and teachers all over the world or consulting with a doctor face-to-face -- just by putting on goggles in your home”.

Time magazine pointed out some noteworthy quotes from Oculus co-founder Palmer Luckey's Reddit Q&A last night (and into the early morning):

1. “You will not need a Facebook account to use or develop for the Rift.”
2. “We're not going to track you, flash ads at you, or do anything invasive.”
3. “None of our gaming resources will be diverted.”
4. “We're not going to lock people out because they compete.”
5. “Our relationship with the community is not going to change, and we're not going to spy on anyone.”
6. “This deal specifically lets us greatly lower the price of the Rift.”
7. “Facebook is going to give us access to massive resources, but let us operate independently on our own vision.”

Luckey made it as clear as possible that the Rift will operate “with autonomy”; noting that Facebook has a good track record for letting acquired companies be a part of the party. But will Facebook's aging user base be enthusiastic about a virtual social media experience? According to Forbes, one way to think about it is to consider the user base of both companies. We've got Facebook, the largest voluntary membership organization in the existence of humanity; and included in this membership is a hugely broadening demographic mix. Now add the Oculus group, a narrower slice of people who are interested in VR gaming (or have simply been lucky enough to hear about the thing), and Facebook (who is literally larger in number than the Catholic church).

So, we are left mixing two things that basically have nothing in common. Can't we make the assumption that although your grandmother has decided to join Facebook this year doesn't mean, in any capacity, that she is going to get into VR gaming because of its association? On the other hand, because a small entity is joining a massive group of people who tend to 'spread the word' on a daily basis (Facebook has 'trending' topics that tend to go viral), this could mean gold for something like the Rift. It could mean the number of people who are willing to buy the headset will increase. Zuckerberg believes he (and his masses) can take the headset to a higher level than its maker can, and Luckey and his team must believe the merge will do serious good or else this wouldn't be happening.

As a crowdfunding success story lover, I tend to think of this as a heartbreaking story. One of the most talked about gaming devices in history is being sold to a social platform that is surprisingly getting less popular on a daily basis. Even if their motives end up with ultimate prosperity, nothing about this is clear sailing for either company. Not at the moment at least. Many other firms, Sony being one of the largest, are on the horizon with their own headsets, bringing much competition when it comes to VR. The hardware also still needs content, and it will take time for games to be written specifically for the Rift. On the other hand, I am sure that many believe the applications mentioned by Zuckerberg are worth pursuing. Maybe merging VR with social platforming is the next era; that delivering virtual reality to everyone could make the world a more connected place. That, or it could give you some serious nausea. For now, expect your Facebook friends to remain their 2-dimensional selves, which may be a good thing. Not everyone is ready to take it to the next level.