Harnessing XR’s Potential: Creating a Positive, Pro-Social Metaverse

In the rapidly evolving realm of the metaverse, narratives surrounding issues like abuse, racism, misogyny, and a general sense of discomfort have become widely recognized. Nevertheless, amidst these concerns, numerous research studies examining the dynamics of social virtual environments illuminate human behavior within virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) contexts.

This research area aims to explore the interplay between XR technologies, Artificial Intelligence (AI), neuroscience, psychophysiology, and social psychology. By evaluating the potential of these technologies, we seek to unveil innovative strategies that may enhance empathic responses, promote inclusivity, and drive positive social transformation within VR and AR environments.

While engaging with VR, AR, and XR, it is crucial to create spaces that not only ignite creativity and learning but also emphasize the well-being and equitable engagement of every participant. In this light, we pose the following question to the research community: how can we foster inclusive and accessible experiences for a diverse global audience?

From leveraging AI for social good to utilizing EEG technology to improve emotional connectivity, this research endeavor aims to highlight advancements that lead to an XR focused on the common good, whether through encouraging pro-social behavior in VR & AR environments or supporting individuals struggling with mental health challenges or trauma.

Furthermore, enhancing co-presence in VR is essential, providing scenarios where participants genuinely feel connected with one another. This holds significant implications for personal, social, professional, and educational contexts. How can developments in avatar realism, environmental interactivity, multimodal communication pathways, and sensory feedback intensify human connections in VR? What challenges and potential risks do these developments bring?

Additionally, a core component of our investigation is the study of multisensory experiences, particularly touch feedback, to encourage positive virtual interactions. By leveraging haptic technologies to communicate affective touch or enhance social engagement, we aim to foster empathy, alleviate anxiety or other emotional disturbances, facilitate meaningful actions, and promote conflict resolution within virtual settings. Which haptic technologies can be utilized? How can touch feedback be delivered to reflect or enhance social interactions and aid psychotherapy? What are the positive, as well as negative, implications of employing touch feedback?

This research topic aligns with the series of webinars “Unlocking the potential of XR: Shaping a pro-social metaverse” organized by the European GuestXR project.

The Research Topic themes encompass, but are not limited to:

– Investigating the applications of AI, Machine Learning, and Large Language Models in enhancing VR, AR, or XR for social good, including, but not limited to, increasing empathy, fostering pro-social behavior, enhancing mental resilience, or reducing anxiety.

– Understanding the significance of co-presence in XR and its potential to enhance individual well-being.

– Exploring novel haptic technologies and showcasing the benefits of haptic feedback for a more inclusive and accessible XR environment.

– Disclosing synergies between Brain-Computer Interfaces (BCI) interactions and Virtual Reality.

– Presenting case studies that illustrate the use of AI, Machine Learning, BCI, and haptic technologies in XR to address societal challenges and assist psychiatric rehabilitation in patients.

– Analyzing the potential of VR to revolutionize collaborative workspaces and remote working models.

– Discussing how VR can be made more accessible through adaptive technologies and interfaces.

– Considering the ethical, privacy, and societal implications of co-presence in VR.