Journal of the Korean Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry

Korean Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (대한소아청소년정신의학회)
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Emergence of the Metaverse and Psychiatric Concerns in Children and Adolescents

  • Soyeon Kim (Department of Psychiatry, Gangnam Severance Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine) ;
  • Eunjoo Kim (Department of Psychiatry, Gangnam Severance Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine)
  • Received : 2023.07.15
  • Accepted : 2023.09.14
  • Published : 2023.10.01
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Abstract

Advancements in digital technology have led to increased usage of digital devices among teenagers. The coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic and the subsequent implementation of social distancing policies have further accelerated this change. Consequently, a new concept called the metaverse has emerged. The metaverse is a combination of a virtual reality universe that allows individuals to meet, socialize, work, play, entertain, and create. This review provides an overview of the concept and main features of the metaverse and examples of its utilization in the real world. It also explains the unique developmental characteristics of childhood and adolescence, as well as the possible negative influences of the metaverse on them, including addiction, antisocial behavior, cyberbullying, and identity confusion. This review summarizes several suggestions for future research because the metaverse is a relatively new concept.

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References

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