Beyond Presence: Exploring Empathy within the Metaverse

Autor: Anjitha Divakaran, Hyung-Jeong Yang, Seung-won Kim, Ji-eun Shin, Soo-Hyung Kim
Jazyk: angličtina
Rok vydání: 2024
Předmět:
Zdroj: Applied Sciences, Vol 14, Iss 19, p 8958 (2024)
Druh dokumentu: article
ISSN: 2076-3417
DOI: 10.3390/app14198958
Popis: As the metaverse evolves, characterized by its immersive and interactive landscapes, it presents novel opportunities for empathy research. This study aims to systematically review how empathy manifests in metaverse environments, focusing on two distinct forms: specific empathy (context-based) and universal empathy (generalized). Our analysis reveals a predominant focus on specific empathy, driven by the immersive nature of virtual settings, such as virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR). However, we argue that such immersive scenarios alone are insufficient for a comprehensive exploration of empathy. To deepen empathetic engagement, we propose the integration of advanced sensory feedback mechanisms, such as haptic feedback and biometric sensing. This paper examines the current state of empathy in virtual environments, contrasts it with the potential for enriched empathetic connections through technological enhancements, and proposes future research directions. By fostering both specific and universal empathy, we envision a metaverse that not only bridges gaps but also cultivates meaningful, empathetic connections across its diverse user base.
Databáze: Directory of Open Access Journals