What will the Metaverse Do to Our Mental Health?

Is total immersion in the digital realm a good idea?

It seems as though the Metaverse is becoming more and more prevalent. From Facebook changing its name to Meta, to virtual reality devices becoming more popular, it feels as if it could take over at any moment. Undoubtedly, it will become nearly impossible to completely avoid in the near future. But what exactly is it?

The term Metaverse describes “a combination of the virtual reality and mixed reality worlds accessed through a browser or headset, which allows people to have real time interactions and experiences across distance.” Essentially, these are digital-only communities where real-life people go to hang out in their free time. As of right now, there isn’t one unified “Metaverse.” Rather, there are individual, distinct Metaverses with their own distinct features, such as Fortnite, Roblox, and Second Life.

The Metaverse is already being used for a multitude of purposes, and there are many opinions as to whether or not this new technological development will be good for our mental health. One clear use of the Metaverse is escapism; retreating into a digital world where everything is completely under your control can be a nice respite from the pressures of real life. However, too much time spent there can negatively impact your ability to engage in non-virtual life, according to Rachel Kowert, director of a mental health nonprofit called Take This.

Additionally, there is evidence, according to Psychology Today, that overusing technology can lead to depression, psychoticism, and paranoid ideation. If it gets to the point where digital reality is preferred to real life, it may make everyday problems more difficult to deal with.

However, it’s not all bad. The Metaverse will also allow more access to healthcare services through digital means, making it easier for people to access much needed care and get support. The immersive nature of this technology may cultivate an increased sense of connectedness compared to other digital forms of therapy.