In an era where excess screen time and social media are often associated with declining psychological well-being, the concept of the metaverse emerges as a potential remedy for the growing mental health crisis, spanning continents from Africa to other parts of the world. While digital interactions can contribute to mental health issues, responsible use of shared virtual spaces within the metaverse offers a unique opportunity to address and combat these challenges.
Virtual shared spaces, commonly referred to as the metaverse, represent digital environments where individuals can interact both professionally and socially. Enriched with augmented or virtual reality (AR/VR), these spaces hold promise as a solution to the escalating mental health crisis that predates the COVID-19 pandemic.