The Metaverse

The Metaverse

The latest development of VR (Virtual Reality) and AR (Augmented Reality) is the Metaverse. Meta means broadly to be self- referential, the Metaverse is a universe that exists alongside reality.

Many find comfort in being able to submerge themselves into a virtual world, particularly given the isolation incurred by the Covid-19 pandemic where the real world became quite a tense and terrifying place. In a virtual world you can simulate a version of yourself whom you can personalise. The appeal of such is a short escape but for a few it becomes an addictive fantasy that is difficult to leave. Studies have recently been taking place into Maladaptive Daydreaming, a disorder where someone becomes dependant on living inside a fictional world in their mind. The two have obvious similarities despite being grounded in entirely different practical concepts.

The Metaverse is a term coined by author Neal Stephenson in his 1992 Science Fiction novel “Snow Crash” it described the virtual reality as a transcendent universe within the cyberpunk setting of the book. In 2003, Phillip Rosedale created Second life, a multimedia platform where someone could live in a virtual world as an avatar of their own creation. The Metaverse developed from this style of gameplay and in most recent year's companies and brands have used the Metaverse to promote marketable collectables in the realms of that universe.  As the Metaverse becomes more popular, numerous people are choosing to spend time in a virtual reality. Of course there are consequences to this as many find themselves disinterested in the real world as the Metaverse allows an exquisite, indulgence in the fantastic.

Imagine being able to travel to iridescent worlds from the comfort of your own home? VR technology is startling and realistic, the VR headset simulates a fantastic adaption of reality where time is irrelevant, making it easy for someone to become submerged for hours at a time. Headset prices vary; some are inexpensive while others cost dearly. Inside the Metaverse people can invest real money in digital items or exclusive accessories for their avatar to wear or decorate their space with. Social and spatial awareness becomes fractured as the person finds themselves immersed. When looking at Maladaptive dreaming there is not any technology involved as someone is living in their own imagination. Less addictive but harder to leave, a person can create an alter-ego inside a world of their own mind, drawing on influences of Film, TV, and Literature, among other mediums- a person can place themselves inside that world and become the central character. Much more personal than the virtual realm of the Metaverse, living inside one's own mind presents an ongoing place of comfort. Uninterrupted by others, the imagination is a difficult disorder to break as it cannot simply be unplugged or logged out.

There are several physical side effects reported with continual use of VR with some people feeling nauseous, disorientated or in some serious cases seizures and visual impairment have been reported. While Maladaptive Daydreaming does not appear to have physical side effects it can affect focus and productivity. There are still studies being conducted into Maladaptive Daydreaming and research is currently being done to see if the condition can affect sleep. It is still a developing concept despite being around for nearly a decade. VR has been shown to affect sleep and, in some cases, can help with insomnia when paired with mindfulness techniques. While technology is often not recommended with sleep routines some aspects of VR have been proven to be beneficial.

Mentally there are serious repercussions from choosing to live in a virtual world, namely it increases social isolation and anxiety about experiencing events in the real world. Social anxiety can develop or worsen when someone spends numerous hours consecutively in a Virtual reality. Parallels from living in a virtual world can also create disappointment and unrealistic expectations when the person chooses to re-enter reality. By having endless possibilities that defy the natural order; it means a person can experience their fantasies through the Metaverse. In the Metaverse, an individual can be anyone and possess superhuman abilities or wealth that may be a direct opposite of their own living conditions in the real world. A person can change their entire personality or appearance when they become an alter ego.  Escapism is usually associated with mediums like Film and TV, but the Metaverse presents an alternative form of escapism through a digital platform. This addiction often derives from a place of trauma as the fear of leaving a virtual world means that a person must face their reality whereas a character in a headset does not have any responsibilities and can exist in an unruly space without consequence. Dependant on the length of time spent in the Virtual world, it can cause problems to a person’s mental wellbeing as the return to a space of normality can be sobering. Not unlike when a person recovers after being inebriated.

Maladaptive Daydreaming is yet to be registered officially as a disorder with some specialists calling for it to be classed as a form of psychosis. Often the impulsion derives also from a place of trauma where a person might not realise, they are becoming absorbed into their own imagination. It differs to Daydreaming as the mind does not simply wander, Maladaptive Daydreaming can last for hours and is more immersive as a person can become engrossed in their own narrative. It differs significantly from simple daydreaming as the distraction is prolonged as the person knowingly lives inside the vision. People who are experiencing Maladaptive daydreaming often are aware of what they are doing; dependant on mental stability someone can slip into a dreamlike state where they appear in a state of paralysis. In many cases there is an acknowledgement of awareness with a level of denial. The act of creating a fictional world uses imagination and has been productive in some cases as authors have been able to write compelling stories based on these delusions. Maladaptive daydreaming is a way to unlock the mind’s potential without the use of recreational drugs, it isn’t as damaging on physical health but does have damaging psychological side effects.

Virtual worlds in the Metaverse have become increasingly popular with many dedicating their spare time to develop their worlds, real money gets converted to a digital currency with which to purchase items within the Metaverse. In relation to Digital Artwork, a few pieces can be purchased exclusively within the Metaverse with several brands using the Metaverse as a platform to market their items. NFTs (Non-Fungible Tokens) act as a digital contract of purchase programmed with unique coding to identify the item.  Existing in a virtual world is not only a current trend but it is also a successful marketplace. In the Metaverse people can become interconnected with a network of others who exist virtually. Several celebrities have created their own Metaverses where they hold exclusive events and connect with their fans.

If a person is introverted, being able to exist solely in a world of one's own creation is a welcome escape from the pressures of living in a social world. Virtual reality provides a basic groundwork of someone else's invention which can be edited with items specifically manufactured within the software. While the metaverse is adaptable and customisable – it is still a world that represents someone else's vision. The developer of the software had an idea of how the world should look and therefore has built a blank canvas around those ideas. While the Virtual world might have many realms, themes, and designs for a people to explore, it differs from an entire world created inside someone's mind. When a person finds themselves in a Maladaptive Daydreaming episode, it is a world that is influenced by other mediums but has been imagined exclusively by the person having the Daydream. A person becomes the central protagonist in their story which can be empowering.

At what point however does it become an addiction? The Metaverse was invented as simple gameplay where people can socialise virtually and build a fantasy environment. The appeal of the Metaverse being that you can meet with people globally and expand your network of contacts based on these digital encounters. While some people might spend the occasional evening in the Metaverse, the addiction grows when it becomes the only thing that person is interesting in investing time in. A person might put aside family life, work, and any social interaction outside of the virtual world they have created. This compromises those relationships and can affect a person’s life as they feel unable to tear themselves from the VR. While this is uncommon, it does happen. Financially, the cost of living inside the Metaverse can be harmful as the constant demand for new upgrades can become costly as the buyer invests copious amounts of money into the Virtual world. Much like with add-ons in some games, it can make gameplay expensive as the person pays with digital currency not realising the real cost as it amounts.

Several people invest their time in the Metaverse, and one couple most recently announced they would be the first to get married in the Metaverse. The couple decided to base their wedding around a specific theme and will even be able to ‘invite’ deceased relatives as digital avatars to the ceremony. While expensive and unusual, this wedding will be the first to take place inside an entirely Virtual reality. The Metaverse has expanded beyond social gameplay as real-life events are taking place in the virtual world. A few Art Exhibits have also taken place, and often with the purchase of an NFT (Non-Fungible token) to enter. Other events that have happened in the Metaverse include a few art auctions and exclusive member only events. Several brands and celebrities have also invested in the Metaverse to further their fanbase, Notably Paris Hilton who allows fans to “try on” outfits from her wardrobe inside her virtual world.

Overall, as technology develops, there are several negative side effects including mental and physical repercussions. When someone chooses to exist solely in a world of virtual reality, it compromises their ability to live in the realm of reality. Social deprivation can be associated with abundant usage of VR as people begin to disassociate themselves from reality. VR and the Metaverse are examples of progressive expansions in technology and should be enjoyed; however, it is also important to address the addictive qualities of living in a digital universe. Maladaptive Daydreaming is parallel to a Virtual reality as it allows a person to exist in a fictitious environment without any influence of technology to do so.

Article by Dana Archer