- The first time the metaverse was described was in Neal Stephenson’s novel “Snow Crash” published in 1992.
- There are already clinic projects that plan to serve patients remotely through this modality.
- Some specialists fear that mental disorders and addictions may increase in people who use the metaverse.
Technology has always been linked to the evolution of humanity. Although the truth is that during the last decades the greatest and most important advances in history have been achieved. The top is the metaverse and although it plans to bring many benefits, there are also other aspects that must be considered, such as the negative health effects that it can cause.
Although some may think that this modality looks distant, in reality it is not at all. His arrival is closer than many believe and it seems impossible to avoid. For the same reason, it is no longer about the future but about the present.
What is the metaverse?
The first and most important thing is to understand the term. The first time it was described was in Neal Stephenson’s novel “Snow Crash” published in 1992. In that work the creation of virtual spaces parallel or complementary to our reality. The concept has already been mentioned before but this is where it is described in a more faithful way to how it finally materialized in the real world.
Regarding the real world, it can be described as environments where humans interact socially and economically as avatars. They do it through software in cyberspace, which acts as a metaphor for the real world but without its limitations.
How does it work?
From the above, it is understood that it is a virtual space in which several people can meet without the need for physical contact. Everything is carried out digitally and the objective is to carry out the same activities that are in everyday life.
In other words, all you need is 3D glasses with Augmented Reality to simulate that you are in another place. This recreates the interaction between people instantly and represents a new form of communication
The applications that this technology will have are endless. The company specializing in healthcare Aimedis has already announced the creation of a virtual city in which various health institutions can rent spaces to settle. It is designed for hospitals, private clinics, pharmacies, medical schools, pharmaceutical companies and any company related to health.
So far there is no project of this kind in the whole world and that is why Aimedis Health City would be a total innovation. And due to its characteristics, it would not be an exclusive space for doctors and patients. It is also planned to design for students, company directors and anyone related to health. With the above in mind, it will also be a meeting point for the development of the networking.
Main Disadvantages of the Metaverse
On the other hand, it should also be considered that the metaverse can cause negative mental health effects. Some specialists consider that a dependency similar to the one that some people have developed on the internet and social networks can be generated.
Similarly, it is feared that cases of mental disorders such as depression will increase. The simulation caused by digital environments can be counterproductive. In some cases, people can fall into sadness by taking off their glasses and seeing their “real reality”.
All of the above said, although the metaverse offers many advantages, you should also know its negative health effects to avoid developing such problems.