How does metaverse affect mental health? A psychologist explains to DailyCoin

In the metaverse, a person can choose who they are, where they live, who they relate to, what they wear, what their hobbies are, as well as go to events, visit cultural objects and, in short, do everything they already do. doing it in real life. In the metaverse, they can be the best version of themselves and live the way they want to, perhaps something that is unattainable in reality.

It’s not news that social media can be a threat to our psychological health. However, what about the whole new digital life that can be built in the virtual world through a personalized avatar through a custom avatar?

The DailyCoin conducted an exclusive interview with a psychology expert, Cognitive Behavioral Psychotherapist Peter Klein, about the impact of metaverse on mental health.

The need for human beings to connect with others

Modern societies are based on a variety of communication formats, Klein said. So the kind of connection that people experience can change tremendously. Research shows that personal relationships with others are the healthiest and most beneficial way to communicate with your mental health.

Due to the globalized and uniform nature of modern society, on the one hand it is more difficult to get in touch with someone on the other side of the world and at the same time it is much easier to relate to each other. the globalized nature of the world.

“The metaverse can act as a bridge that facilitates a more personal experience without having to travel. The pandemics and the increasing decentralized nature of society have provided a good benefit for people to be able to participate in meta-verse, ”Klein said.

In some cases, the verse may help

Klein explained that many mental disorders benefit from the use of virtual reality. For example, those who suffer from social phobia often believe that they are being judged in social situations. They think they stand out like a thumb and pay too much attention to how they are found. In severe cases, this can be hyper-focused on every movement people make and everything they say.

Virtual reality can help you connect with others without the threat of direct presence from others. This can help those who suffer to gain some kind of connection with others by providing a safe environment to deal with their anxieties. People who suffer from simple phobias such as arachnophobia (fear of weapons) also find it easier to deal with fears in the VR space compared to their own exposure.

The dangers of virtual reality

While metabersion can benefit people with mental health problems, it can make it worse. If someone is too serious to leave their home, there is a risk that they may rely too much on virtual connections. This can exacerbate your personal absence from the world and lead to more serious difficulties.

Numerous studies have shown that personal relationships with others alleviate stress and are a key factor in the healthy development of the brain. Living in metabersion will therefore be very bad if more suitable alternatives are available, Klein suggested.

A healthy life will always have some kind of pain, as it is an essential part of coping with life. Many even avoid simple frustrations, such as waiting for a bus, taking out their phone, and not using social media. The connection between frustration and avoidance can be so ingrained that it is difficult for people to suffer the basic pain of paying attention for more than a few seconds. This can be very damaging to society as a whole, especially if it is as immersive and tempting as the opportunity to escape.

“I think metaverse can bring great benefits. People can connect in a very convenient way. However, it will never bring many benefits to personal relationships and is dangerous for many, ”Klein concluded.

Conversely

• The metaverse can be a safe haven for people with social interaction difficulties. However, it can lead to serious distancing from reality and feelings of delirium.
• The metaverse is in its infancy and its psychological impact on people is yet to be seen.