This seminar series aims to establish a robust research agenda on the impact of virtual worlds on user well-being.
Although primitive instances of virtual worlds have been around for decades, it is only now that their pivotal role in the future of digital connectivity is coming into focus.
The growing significance of virtual worlds for society is evident in the widespread adoption of virtual worlds gaming platforms; concepts such as the metaverse, spatial computing and Web 4.0; the proliferation of digital twins in industry; and the integration of virtual worlds with technologies like extended reality, blockchain and AI, to name a few. Consequently, understanding the potential societal implications of virtual worlds, and particularly their impact on users' well-being, is becoming a priority.
Policymakers can play a crucial role in identifying pressing issues and helping to define research priorities. With this in mind, these seminars aim to establish a research agenda, focusing on the questions
- What are the unique characteristics of virtual worlds that may result in distinct user experiences and impact, compared to more traditional media?
- What insights can we glean from the existing body of research on digital media and well-being, and how can these be applied to the study of virtual worlds?
- What emerging methodologies can help us advance our understanding of the effects of virtual worlds use?
- What (technological, design-related, regulatory, etc.) tools and strategies can be employed to maximize their benefits and mitigate their risks?