Human interaction and the metaverse

Mind and body cannot readily differentiate between virtual experiences and the real world. Physiological and psychological responses to virtual events often are as intense as are those to real-life stimuli. Some victims of cyber-assault attest to having been so shaken that they were unable to implement the site's safety features. Studies show that behavioural changes that begin in the virtual environment often transfer to subsequent live interactions, possibly making the metaverse a training ground for socially unacceptable behaviour.

The world now embraces inclusivity – will the metaverse? It is possible to create avatars that are fictional characters. While this allows experimentation with gender identity in an anonymous and safe space, free of real-world prejudices, the same freedom can be used to appropriate, emulate, or imitate cultures about which one knows little. For example, when a white fashion photographer created the fictitious Black personality Shudu Gram, some argued that this misrepresentation, catfishing, digital blackface, and identity tourism could become prevalent in a world where no one need answer to anyone.

No single body now monitors the metaverse for user rights and safety. Jurisdiction, territoriality, and conflicts of laws within and across virtual worlds must be addressed. It follows that criminal or abusive acts are likely to be enhanced without an established legal framework with impactful consequences.

The metaverse will evolve and grow. It is the collective responsibility of all governments and of all users to make it as safe as possible, creating an extended reality to work for our betterment, and not to empower our harm or our manipulation.

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Illustration: supamotion - stock.adobe.com