The Shadowed Realms of the Metaverse: Exploring Mental Health and Well-being Dimensions

Abstract

The Metaverse holds the promise of becoming the next dominant paradigm in pervasive computing, capable of reshaping numerous facets of both work and societal life. While there are numerous anticipated benefits attributed to the Metaverse, its potential negative consequences have received limited exploration. The prevailing viewpoints often rely on logical considerations drawn from historical data associated with comparable technologies, indicating a somewhat limited exploration from academic and expert perspectives. Present study delves into the multifaceted aspects of the metaverse, shedding light on both its evident benefits and obscured challenges, particularly concerning mental health and well-being. While the metaverse offers significant economic and social advantages, it also harbors a dark side that demands thorough exploration. This study emphasizes the necessity of understanding and addressing the potential adverse effects on individuals, organizations, nations, and societies as the metaverse continues to evolve. The evolving nature of the metaverse necessitates ongoing attention to minimize psychological, physiological, and social consequences. To protect the mental health and wellbeing of users navigating the shadowed realms of the metaverse, the abstract calls for a range of comprehensive measures, such as the development of national technological capabilities, the enactment of laws specific to the metaverse, increased industry- government collaboration, and international coordination.