A Comprehensive Review of Multimodal XR Applications, Risks, and Ethical Challenges in the Metaverse

TL;DR

This review explores the diverse applications, risks, and ethical issues of XR technologies in the Metaverse, highlighting the need for ethical frameworks and responsible governance to ensure safe and equitable use.

Contribution

It provides a comprehensive overview of XR applications, associated risks, and ethical challenges, emphasizing the importance of regulatory guidelines and responsible development in the Metaverse context.

Findings

XR enhances immersive experiences across various fields.

Significant privacy, security, and psychological risks are associated with XR.

Ethical frameworks are urgently needed for responsible XR development.

Abstract

This scoping review examines the broad applications, risks, and ethical challenges associated with Extended Reality (XR) technologies, including Virtual Reality (VR), Augmented Reality (AR), and Mixed Reality (MR), within the context of Metaverse. XR is revolutionizing fields such as immersive learning in education, medical and professional training, neuropsychological assessment, therapeutic interventions, arts, entertainment, retail, e-commerce, remote work, sports, architecture, urban planning, and cultural heritage preservation. The integration of multimodal technologies such as haptics, eye-tracking, face- and body-tracking, and brain-computer interfaces, enhances user engagement and interactivity, playing a key role in shaping the immersive experiences in the Metaverse. However, XR's expansion raises serious concerns, including data privacy risks, cybersecurity vulnerabilities, cybersickness, addiction, dissociation, harassment, bullying, and misinformation. These psychological, social, and security challenges are further complicated by intense advertising, manipulation of public opinion, and social inequality, which could disproportionately affect vulnerable individuals and social groups. This review emphasizes the urgent need for robust ethical frameworks and regulatory guidelines to address these risks while promoting equitable access, privacy, autonomy, and mental well-being. As XR technologies increasingly integrate with artificial intelligence, responsible governance is essential to ensure the safe and beneficial development of the Metaverse and the broader application of XR in enhancing human development.