Document Type
Article
Source of Publication
Cyberpsychology, Behavior, and Social Networking
Publication Date
1-1-2024
Abstract
The metaverse is touted as the next phase in the evolution of the Internet. This emerging digital ecosystem is widely conceptualized as a persistent matrix of interconnected multiuser, massively scaled online environments optimally experienced through immersive digital technologies such as virtual reality (VR). Much of the prognostication about the social implications of the metaverse center on secular activities. For example, retail, entertainment (gaming/concerts), and social networking. Little attention has been given to how the metaverse might impact religion. This narrative review explores contemporary research into online religious practice and the use of immersive digital technologies for religious purposes. This focus informs a discussion about how the metaverse, an online and immersive technology, might impact religion/religious practices. For billions worldwide, religion is an essential aspect of social identity and a cornerstone of psychological wellbeing. The emergence of the metaverse may represent a new way of connecting with an ancient source of human flourishing.
DOI Link
ISSN
Publisher
Mary Ann Liebert Inc
Volume
27
Issue
1
First Page
57
Last Page
63
Disciplines
Computer Sciences | Social and Behavioral Sciences
Keywords
Internet, metaverse, psychopathology, religion, wellbeing
Scopus ID
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
Recommended Citation
Thomas, Justin; Kuhail, Mohammad Amin; and AlBeyahi, Fahad, "The Metaverse, Religious Practice and Wellbeing: A Narrative Review" (2024). All Works. 6318.
https://zuscholars.zu.ac.ae/works/6318
Indexed in Scopus
yes
Open Access
yes
Open Access Type
Hybrid: This publication is openly available in a subscription-based journal/series