The term “Meta” refers to a prefix or term used to indicate a concept that is an abstraction from another concept. In various contexts, “meta” suggests a higher level of thinking or understanding about a subject. For example, “metadata” refers to data about data, while “metanarrative” refers to an overarching story that explains and connects smaller narratives.

In popular culture, “meta” is often used to describe works that are self-referential or self-aware, such as a movie that comments on its own genre or the process of filmmaking itself. The term implies a layer of complexity, functioning at a level beyond the primary subject matter.

In the realm of technology, “Meta” has gained prominence as the rebranded name of Facebook, Inc., reflecting the company’s focus on building a “metaverse,” a collective virtual shared space integrating augmented reality, virtual reality, and the internet.

Overall, “Meta” signifies self-reflection, abstraction, or an overarching theme that examines or transcends its primary context.