In the ever-expanding landscape of the metaverse, stories about encounters with abuse, racism, misogyny, and an overall sense of discomfort have become common knowledge. However, amid this, several research studies focusing dynamics of social virtual environments shed light on human behavior within virtual reality and augmented reality environments.

This research topic seeks to study the relationship between XR technologies, Artificial Intelligence (AI), neuroscience, psychophysiology, and social psychology. By considering the potential of these technologies, we aim to uncover innovative approaches that may influence empathic-like responses, foster inclusivity, and bring positive social change within virtual and augmented reality spaces (VR and AR).

While using VR, AR and XR, it becomes very relevant to foster environments that not only inspire creativity and learning, but also prioritize the well-being and equitable participation of every participant. In this regard, we want to pose the following question to the research community: how do we cultivate inclusive & accessible experiences for a diverse global audience?

From using AI for social purposes to employing EEG technology to enhance emotional connectivity, the goal of this research topic is to highlight advances that are lead to an XR for the common good, either by promoting pro-social behavior in VR & AR environments or by assisting people suffering from mental health issues or trauma.

Additionally, there is a need to enhance co-presence in VR, providing environments where participants feel truly present with one another. This has profound implications for personal, social, professional, and educational settings. How can advances in avatar realism, environmental interactivity, multimodal communication pathways and sensory feedback deepen human connections in VR? What challenges and potential risks do these advances introduce?

Moreover, central to our investigation is the exploration of multisensory experiences and, in particular, touch feedback to foster positive virtual interactions. By leveraging haptic technologies to convey affective touch or augment social interactions, we aim to promote empathy, ease anxiety or other emotional disruptions, facilitate meaningful action, and encourage conflict resolution within virtual environments. Which haptic technologies can be used? How can haptic feedback be conveyed to reflect, augment social interactions or facilitate psychotherapy? What are the positive, but also negative, implications of using touch feedback?

This research topic is in conjunction with the series of webinars “Unlocking the potential of XR: Shaping a pro-social metaverse” of the European GuestXR project.

The themes of the Research Topic include, but are not limited to:

- Investigate the use of AI, Machine Learning, and Large Language Models for enhanced VR, AR, or XR applications for social good, including, but not closed to increase empathy, foster pro-social behavior, boost mental resilience or reduce anxiety.

- Understand the role of copresence in XR and its potential in fostering individuals’ well-being.

- Explore new haptic technologies and demonstrate the utility of haptic feedback for a more inclusive and accessible XR world.

- Reveal synergies between Brain-Computer Interfaces (BCI) interactions and Virtual Reality.

- Present case studies outlining the use of AI, Machine Learning, BCI, and haptic technologies in XR for addressing societal issues and psychiatric rehabilitation in patients.

- Examine the potential of VR to transform collaborative workspaces and remote working models.

- Discuss how VR can be made more accessible through adaptive technologies and interfaces.

- Consider the ethical, privacy, and societal impacts of co-presence in VR.

Impact

Frontiers in Virtual Reality

Virtual Reality and Human Behaviour

Technologies for VR

Participating Journals

Frontiers in Human Neuroscience

Brain-Computer Interfaces