The Special Issue on the Metaverse in the peer-reviewed journal Cyberpsychology, Behavior, and Social Networking

In 2023, the international Call for Papers "Humane Metaverse: Opportunities and Challenges Toward the Development of a Humane-Centered Metaverse" was launched. Ten selected papers have been compiled in the publication of the special issue "Humane Metaverse" in the scientific journal "CyberPsychology, Behavior, and Social Networking."

Professor Giuseppe Riva serves as the guest editor, collaborating with colleagues Brenda Wiederhold, PhD, from the Virtual Reality Medical Center at Scripps Memorial Hospital and Editor-in-Chief of the journal, and Daniela Villani, PhD, from the Università Cattolica.

In the article "Toward a Humane Metaverse: Challenges and Opportunities," the authors delve into the neurobiological and cognitive potential of virtual and augmented reality technologies, foundational to the concept of the Metaverse. The authors suggest that by addressing current technological limitations, a more meaningful and constructive engagement in online interactions could be promoted.

The Metaverse, an emerging digital universe blurring the boundaries between reality and virtuality, offers a glimpse into a future where human interaction transcends physical boundaries. This article examines the multidimensional facets of the Metaverse, scrutinizing the landscape of challenges and opportunities it presents.

The article delves into the challenges that human society faces in adapting to the Metaverse, including the digital divide, ethical dilemmas, trust issues, and the potential erosion of social and physical reality. Amidst the allure of limitless creativity, questions arise about the very essence of the human experience: identity, empathy, social relationships, life satisfaction, and the nature of reality itself.

The Metaverse, with all its complexities, challenges us to redefine the boundaries of human interaction, urging us to proceed with caution as we embrace the limitless possibilities it presents. As we venture "toward a humane Metaverse," we must navigate the intricate interplay between technology and humanity, shaping a future where the virtual realm enriches rather than diminishes the richness of the human experience.