Numerous Metaverse applications, including Meta Horizon Worlds, VRChat, and Rec Room, have ushered users into immersive digital realms where they can participate in various activities. While the Metaverse shows promise in fields like education, telecommuting, and entertainment, concerns have arisen regarding its social and ethical implications, notably its impact on mental health.
In the nascent stages of scientific inquiry into these concerns, researchers are delving into mental health not only from a clinical perspective but also in the context of individuals’ subjective well-being. Their objective is to comprehensively grasp the potential advantages and drawbacks of Metaverse usage on mental health.
A pivotal facet of the Metaverse lies in its immersive virtual environments, where users undergo a sensation of presence in the digital realm, facilitated by virtual reality headsets. While this immersion is a hallmark attraction of the Metaverse, it can also amplify adverse effects compared to conventional media.
One illustration of this phenomenon is the new dimension of harassment within virtual reality applications. When users engage through avatars, aggression aimed at these digital representations can be psychologically perceived as a genuine physical assault. An investigation that interviewed female users of social virtual reality platforms underscored that experiences of harassment within these spaces were particularly distressing due to the illusion of physical presence. This underscores the imperative need for preventative mechanisms.
Another noteworthy concern is the potential for addiction to virtual reality applications. The premise is that the heightened sense of presence intensifies the psychological reward, potentially leading to increased addictive behaviors. A study analyzing addictive behaviors in virtual reality users did not reveal a higher prevalence when compared to other technologies. Nevertheless, it unveiled a correlation between the sensation of embodiment (the avatar feeling like an extension of one’s own body) and addiction symptoms.
On a more positive note, the profound sense of presence within the Metaverse can foster meaningful social interactions that contribute to overall well-being. Immersive applications enable users to share virtual spaces and engage in actions such as eye contact and virtual embraces, which can amplify interpersonal connections. Research suggests that these lifelike interactions may facilitate stronger feelings of connection compared to less immersive media.
While the realm of research on the effects of the Metaverse on mental health is still in its infancy, numerous questions remain to be explored. A key aspect will be drawing upon the collective insights of social scientists who have previously scrutinized the impacts of internet usage, video games, and social networks. By considering specific use cases and leveraging the accumulated knowledge from past technologies, researchers can formulate pertinent inquiries and tackle potential risks and benefits effectively.
