After almost being named the Word of the Year for 2022 by the Oxford English Dictionary, 2023, too, is looking up for the Metaverse. As the world is increasingly moving towards Web3 and its promise of ownership and monetization, the Metaverse is slated to revolutionize the internet as we know it. Although it is yet to come into existence in its entirety, there have already been several use cases explored for this novel virtual world.
And one interesting use case that has been put forward very recently is to promote public health. At a time when technology is being blamed for several health concerns, this particular application envisions a whole new way in which cutting-edge tech can be used to better our lives. Curious? Read on to know more.
Restructuring Environments for Improved Health
A lot of the time, non-communicable diseases like strokes, cancer, heart disease, and mental illnesses can be attributed to the environment one moves around in. Pollution in the environment is one perfect example. Apart from that, the environment often influences lifestyle choices like physical activity, sleep, diet and so much more.
The Metaverse, being a virtual world, serves as the perfect ground to try out large-scale solutions before rolling them out. Researchers and planners can help randomize participants in a research study into different conditions. Furthermore, with regard to mental health, the Metaverse in itself could be an intervention. One could gain exposure to stress-free environments that are more conducive to positive mental health, thereby being instrumental in promoting public health.
Closing Thoughts
Web3 is already becoming popular in our world today. With NFT gaming marketplaces and blockchain technology taking the centre stage, we are at the cusp of entering the Metaverse. While historically, novel technology has been implicated for its role in ill health, the Metaverse can turn the tables and actually promote a healthy lifestyle if used right.
