Beyond Presence: Exploring Empathy within the Metaverse

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 un...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Applied sciences 2024-10, Vol.14 (19), p.8958
Main Authors: Divakaran, Anjitha, Yang, Hyung-Jeong, Kim, Seung-won, Shin, Ji-eun, Kim, Soo-Hyung
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Analysis
Augmented Reality
Biometrics
Chatbots
Emotions
Empathy
immersive experience
Keywords
metaverse
situated empathy
specific empathy
Systematic review
universal empathy
Virtual reality
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Summary: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.
ISSN:2076-3417
2076-3417
DOI:10.3390/app14198958