How the new Metaverse could affect your health

Introduction

The Metaverse is an amazing concept, designed to be the next generation of the internet. It will provide a virtual space for all kinds of entertainment, activities, and interaction. However, the Metaverse also could pose an adverse effect on someone's health if they stay too long in their virtual world. In this blog, I will briefly describe the health-related disadvantages of the newly evolving Metaverse.

Addiction

According to Bing's dictionary, "Addiction is the fact or condition of being addicted (dependent) to a particular substance, thing, or activity." Some users could get addicted to the immersion of the Metaverse. This could lead to society not being able to control the amount of time they spend in the Metaverse which could have health effects such as eye strain and dizziness. (Joshua, 2022)

Detachment from the real world

Prolonged "living" in the metaverse can fabricate the user's sense of reality and real-world "mechanisms." By exposing their brain to long periods of an artificial virtual space, users can become disoriented once they take off their VR or AR headset. This is because the brain adapted to the artificial physics and visuals of the metaverse, and the brain has to readapt to the real world.

Toxicity

The internet has long been used as free real-estate for toxic online behavior. This is due to the internet creating a barrier that lets people get away with their actions more easily. The same case can be said for the metaverse, since it is a virtual world with virtual avatars and space. There is almost no disclosure of personal or real information. Therefore, bullies will be able to berate and harass other users without worrying about the consequences of their actions. (Howell)

Reduced physical activity

Another effect of staying in the metaverse is reduced physical activity, as you are spending time in a virtual space that doesn't connect with the real world. Addiction can further aggravate sedentary lifestyle as the user becomes more dependent or attached to the metaverse. (Joshua, 2022)

Conclusion

Although the metaverse can introduce new ways for people to connect across long distances, the health effects of the metaverse should also be considered seriously. A combination of addiction, detachment, toxicity, and reduced physical activity can have a detrimental effect on an afflicted user. Therefore, it is crucial for us to enjoy the metaverse in moderation and reap its benefits and stay healthy as human beings too.

References

Joshua, K. (2022, August 23). Challenges and disadvantages of the metaverse. Retrieved November 5, 2022, from https://metaknow.org/challenges-and-disadvantages-of-the-metaverse735- 2/#:~:text=The%20psychological%20and%20physical%20health%20risks%20of%20using,the% 20numerous%20health%20concerns%20associated%20with%20the%20metaverse.

Howell, D. R. (n.d.). What is metaverse - and how will it affect mental health. Psychreg. Retrieved

November 20, 2022, from https://www.psychreg.org/what-metaverse-affect-mental-health/