As the history of the internet has shown us through time, all versions of virtuality and its and potential developments is here to stay. Virtuality will mostly likely evolve over time because of connectivity, accessibility, and the overall improvement of resolution. The metaverse is a protagonist of 2022 because of the evolution of human interactions and the possibilities within virtual spaces.

The idea of the "metaverse” was first introduced by Neil Stephenson in his 1982 novel Snow Crash. The meaning refers to "the universe beyond," a concept which invites us to look beyond the tip of the technology iceberg. Instead of just seeing the groundbreaking, technological possibilities of the metaverse, people can also expand their awareness to see another positive aspect of the metaverse: it’s ability to improve the quality of life in the present. One perspective of technology is that it is meant to be fed by human interactions, and it should prioritize human wellbeing. It is sometimes easy to forget that every entity that enters virtuality is real, and there is an actual person behind the screen with real feelings and reactions. Having said that, one of the most incredible opportunities that metaverse technology may give to humanity is the ability to enable healing spaces in a genderless, cultureless, and borderless way.

Healing resources should be accessible on equal terms to everyone. The existence of a tech-powered, virtual space like the metaverse, opens doors for incredible interactions as people from all over the world have the ability to share their profound experiences from their healing journeys.

Healing, as defined in the study of positive psychology, is the ability to constantly train one’s mind and emotions to create inner tools. These inner tools help people react to life’s challenges in a healthier way for not only themselves, but for and others as well. These tools can be further learned within interactions within the metaverse. 

People may assume that healing in the metaverse requires physical tools. A VR (virtual reality) headset does improve the metaverse experience, but it is not necessary to enjoy and learn from metaverse interactions. For example, a leading project called BE LIGHT offers sound and healing sessions in the metaverse that do not require headsets. Their sessions match brain waves to specific colors or sounds that help users enter a deep meditative state. On the other hand, another project called Healium does utilize headsets to conduct healing meditation interactions. Healium uses immersive 360-degree AR (augmented reality) and VR scenarios to help users efficiently manage their stress and anxiety. 

The metaverse is capable of reproducing sound, characters, and high-quality scenarios for healing. With greater technological advances, such as emotional AI that combines machine learning and computing techniques like biometric sensing designed to react to human emotions, more tailor-made healing systems can potentially be created in the metaverse. 

The metaverse has already created healing spaces for those working on their mental health. For example, there are virtual mental health sessions that connect those in need with a practitioner that can help them regardless of physical location. This gives an opportunity for anyone who needs help to openly go to therapy without the hassle of travel. The ability to access the kind of therapy that caters to each individual’s needs may be the push that inspires people to take care of their mental health.

These opportunities are reason to be hopeful because technology is being used to promote emotional and mental well-being. Having one’s emotional needs taken care of as much as physical needs may help individuals have a more meaningful life with stronger personal relationships, more self-awareness, and more empathy towards others. Technology may bring mental health risks, but if the functions of the metaverse are used with a people-first mindset it can be a loving ally to its users.