The Special Issue on the Metaverse of the scientific journal Cyberpsychology, Behavior, and Social Networking

In 2023, the Call for papers "Humane Metaverse: Opportunities and Challenges Toward the Development of a Humane-Centered Metaverse" was launched internationally. 10 selected papers have been included in the publication of the special issue "Humane Metaverse" of the scientific journal "CyberPsychology, Behavior and Social Networking". 

Prof. Giuseppe Riva is guest editor, along with colleagues Brenda Wiederhold, PhD, of the Virtual Reality Medical Center, Scripps Memorial Hospital and Editor-in-Chief of the journal, and Daniela Villani, PhD, of Università Cattolica.

The article "Toward a Humane Metaverse: Challenges and Opportunities" explores the potential neurobiological and cognitive involvement of virtual and augmented reality technologies, which are central to the concept of the Metaverse. The authors suggest that correcting current technological limitations could promote more meaningful and constructive engagement in online interactions.

The metaverse, an emerging digital universe that blurs the lines between reality and virtuality, offers a glimpse into a future where human interaction transcends physical boundaries. In this article, we analyze the multidimensional facets of the metaverse, examining the landscape of challenges and opportunities it offers.

The article delves into the challenges human society faces in adapting to the metaverse, including the digital divide, ethical dilemmas, level of trust, and the potential erosion of social and physical reality. Amid the allure of limitless creativity, questions arise about the very essence of the human experience: identity, empathy, social relationships, satisfaction in life, 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 human metaverse," we must navigate the intricate interplay between technology and humanity, shaping a future where the virtual realm enriches, rather than impoverishes, the richness of the human experience.