The Perception Of Metaverse And Its Potential Impact On Mental Health Among Individuals

Abstract

One may argue that the Metaverse is the most recent development in the information technology industry. The cyberspace industry has continuously evolved since the internet was introduced in the 1990s. In just a few decades, innovations like artificial intelligence and augmented reality, also known as extended reality, have allowed us to achieve unprecedented development by enhancing physical reality with virtual programs. Nowadays, the metaverse is thought of as the next development in the aforementioned technologies. According to current marketing, the Metaverse offers a fully virtual world that is distinct from the real world we live in. As is the case with every new technology, the metaverse has the potential to have a significant impact on practically every facet of human existence, including the social, economic, and personal spheres. The negative impact of this new technology on mental health is one such issue that is hotly contested nowadays. There is ongoing debate on whether the metaverse, like other comparable technologies that came before it like social media, the internet, etc., might be harmful to users' mental health. Although the precise effects of the metaverse on users' mental health are still unknown, the purpose of this article is to ascertain public opinion regarding the potential implications for mental health and to determine whether or not technology such as the metaverse is truly appropriate for the current world.