Exploring the Social Implications of the Metaverse | AI and Ethics
The emergence of the metaverse transforms the way humans interact with computers; the metaverse brings about a new form of human-computer interaction that is more immersive, intuitive, and seamless. In the present paper we thus aim to elucidate the role of human-computer interactions in the age of the metaverse. New forms of human-computer interaction via the metaverse are beneficial for humans in many ways; at the same time, however, there are new types of social issues that are emerging as the metaverse develops and that need to be taken seriously. Specifically, we focus upon issues such as privacy, surveillance capitalism, cyber-syndromes, amplifications of other social problems, environmental problems, and discuss what regulations would be appropriate in order to balance the adequate development of the metaverse with the safety and security of it that is required for social good, in particular for sustainable development goals. We finally propose ethical design principles for the sustainable metaverse in order to address the aforementioned and other social issues.
The History of the Metaverse
The concept of the metaverse dates back to Neal Stephenson’s science fiction novel Snow Crash in 1992. While it did not gain significant public attention initially, the rebranding of Facebook to Meta in 2021 thrust the concept into the mainstream spotlight and sparked widespread interest.
Defining the Metaverse
There are different perspectives on what constitutes the metaverse. Some view it as a technological integration of Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR) enabling multisensory interactions, while others see it as a social platform with a focus on meaningful and sustainable content. The metaverse is expected to combine various technologies like XR, blockchain, AI, and cloud computing to create immersive human-computer interactions.
Human-Computer Interactions in the Metaverse
We analyze human-computer interaction in the metaverse through two main lenses: "access and display" and "perception and input." Access and display technologies in the metaverse utilize Extended Reality (XR) encompassing AR, VR, and MR to enhance user experiences.
Conclusion
In conclusion, it is essential to address the social implications of the metaverse, including security, privacy, and ethical considerations. By implementing ethical design principles, we can ensure the sustainable development of the metaverse while prioritizing societal well-being and progress.
