Time To Think “Meta”: Critical Viewpoint on the Risks and Benefits of Virtual Worlds Mental Health

Overview

Authors: Vincent Paquin, Manuela Ferrari, Harmehr Sekhon, Soham Rej

Publication Date: 2 July 2023

Link: https://games.jmir.org/2023/1/e43388

Keywords: metaverse; digital media; virtual reality; mental health addiction; social functioning; virtual technology; augmented reality; gaming; social media; cognitive; physical activity; behavior; psychological; development; patient; policy

Type: Peer-Reviewed Journals/White Papers

Summary

The metaverse is gaining traction in the general population and has become a priority of the technological industry. Defined as persistent virtual worlds that exist in virtual or augmented reality, the metaverse proposes to afford a range of activities of daily life, from socializing and relaxing to gaming, shopping, and working. Because of its scope, its projected popularity, and its immersivity, the metaverse may pose unique opportunities and risks for mental health. In this viewpoint article, we integrate existing evidence on the mental health impacts of video games, social media, and virtual reality to anticipate how the metaverse could influence mental health. We outline categories of mechanisms related to mental health: experiences or behaviors afforded by the metaverse and experiences or behaviors displaced by it.