How will Web 3 Impact our mental Health long term ?
Updated: Feb 15
Our Mental Health will certainly be effected in some shape or form. Technology will always disrupt how we think, communicate, and create. How can we leverage it ?
It is difficult to predict with certainty how mental health will be affected by the development and use of We3 (emerging technology related to brain-computer interfaces) and the metaverse (an immersive virtual world), as these are still in the early stages of development and their impact on mental health will depend on a variety of factors.
However, it is possible that the use of We3 and the metaverse could have both positive and negative effects on mental health. On the positive side, these technologies could provide new avenues for social interaction and connection, as well as opportunities for therapeutic interventions and mental health support. On the negative side, excessive use of these technologies could lead to social isolation, addiction, and a disconnection from reality.
Let us go over this in depth, and also get inside my perspective as a active user in the metaverse for the past 3 years how this has impacted me.
Connection
The metaverse has the potential to help people connect with others in a variety of ways. I find it can be a great support system for creators and builders. Here are a few examples:
Immersive social experiences: The metaverse can provide immersive social experiences that allow individuals to interact with others in a more natural and engaging way than traditional video conferencing. This can lead to more meaningful connections and deeper relationships.
Access to diverse communities: The metaverse can bring together individuals from diverse backgrounds and geographic locations, allowing people to connect with others they might not have had the opportunity to meet otherwise.
Personalization: The metaverse can offer personalized experiences that cater to an individual's interests and preferences, making it easier to find like-minded people and build connections.
Access to mental health support: The metaverse can provide new avenues for mental health support, including virtual therapy sessions and support groups. You can find NFT Collections that do offer access to mental Health Professionals.
Enhanced creativity and collaboration: The metaverse can provide a space for people to collaborate and create together, whether it's through building virtual environments, designing virtual objects, or creating virtual artwork or events. This can help foster connections and build community in ways you never thought possible.
Overall, the metaverse has the potential to provide new and innovative ways for people to connect with others, and it will be interesting to see how these opportunities develop as the technology continues to evolve.
Sometimes we don't want to hear the other side of the coin, but we must.
The Dark Side
While the metaverse has the potential to provide many benefits, there are also potential negative impacts to consider. Here are a few examples:
Social isolation: Spending too much time in the metaverse could lead to social isolation, as individuals may prioritize their virtual relationships over their real-world relationships. Having less connection in IRL can lead to an increase depression and anxiety in the long term. The metaverse can also increase the anxiety and IRL social skills.
Addiction: Just like with gaming, excessive use of the metaverse can lead to addiction, which can have negative impacts on mental health and overall well-being.
Privacy and security concerns: The metaverse will require users to share personal information, and there are concerns about how this data will be collected, stored, and used.
Unrealistic expectations: The metaverse could create unrealistic expectations and standards for personal appearance, behavior, and lifestyle, which could negatively impact self-esteem and mental health.
Physical health issues: Spending long periods of time in the metaverse could lead to physical health issues such as eye strain, poor posture, and other health problems.
It's worth noting that many of these potential negative impacts can be mitigated through responsible use and design of the metaverse. However, it will be important to continue to monitor the impact of the metaverse on individuals and society as a whole, and take action to address any negative consequences that arise.
"Work-life-Boundries." – Youtuber
Personal Experiences
As a person who loves to achieve and accomplish her goals, I spent many nights in front of my computer and in the Metaverse Decentraland, working tirelessly, eating terribly and less motivated in other areas of my life. I'd spend hours making 3d Content in the metaverse, performing and also working on social media Content while collaberating. Never saying "No" . Not much around me was worth my time as far as IRL duties. I saw a decrease in motivation to workout, look presentable on my appearance. Even though I was/and working from home, there is still no excuses to let yourself go. For the past 3 years I have seen some negative effects, id be lying to myself if I said it didn't. I don't want to down play it or take it lightly. We all know too much of anything is not good. As a person who is pretty mindful, I am Luckily to catch these things early, but what about others who arent as mindful or aware of what the consequences are ? These are something to keep in mind ...
My physical health and Mental Health.
There is nothing attractive by sitting in front of a computer day and night for weeks or months at a time, while watching yourself decline. I found this happening over time, and eventually it catches up to you when you realize where did the extra weight come from. These types of work effects your poster, IRL social skills, relationships and interactions if you are not on top of your game. Our well being should be considered a top priority. I found myself stuck in other areas while my metaverse career is thriving. Finding a healthy boundary between the metaverse and physical well being has been a challenge but looking forward to see how it can compliment my life in a better fashion.
Relationships
I don't really like to mention my personal life, but in general and even in everyday life with our smart phones, its easy to be unaware of what's going on around us. I would be mindful if at any point your work is effecting being present or attentive to your loved ones. I am sure all of us at one point in web 3 have slipped up as we see people everyday glued to their devices. The Metaverse is a Social platform on steroids. Its even more stimulating than social media platforms like instagram or tik tok. Id be mindful its not effecting also the people around us.
Time
Working in the metaverse, its easy to loose track of time. What is time ? Time is a strange place in the metaverse. for me 1 month feels like an eternity. Because web 3 market never shuts down and is consistently moving, what are the effects ? When can we slow down in this high pace tech space ? Its important to manage your time strategically. I saw my work began to mesh with my food habits, my sleeping patterns, other important duties in my life. Time management is still something I am learning how to hone and also when to shut the computer down and read a book. There are apps out there that can help keep track your screen time on your phone or computer.
Boundaries
I think the most important thing to develop in web 3 is work - life Boundries. I Have seen peoples mental health decline, get emotionally attached to online gaming experiences in an abnormal way and so forth.
Finding time for your Physical health, relationships, work, mental health, and your well being is the key to success. These things are so important to have and lead to a quality life. Even for the builders and creators who are working each and everyday, should be reminded, that success is not determined by what you accomplish, success should be determined by your happiness, and also achieving all that you have set out to do, and that includes all areas of your life. Web 3 should be able to compliment these other areas. Take your time and be patient with yourself make sure your health is also a top priority.
"The six best doctors in the world are sunlight, rest, exercise, diet, self-confidence, and friends. Maintain them in all stages and enjoy a healthy life.” - Steve Jobs.
Steve job was a Billionaire Innovator. Before his passing he's last words before death he talked about his successes, and while he had everything he ever wanted he had little joy. He talked about to cherish friends and family and the things that are most important in this life.
I hope this Article can give you different perspectives and can help you on your journey in web3. We are all learning and growing in this space together. Will be recording my journey along the way, so make sure you come back and visit. My DM's are always open if you have any questions or would like to add an insights.
Feel free to read my other blogs. I have many that cover lifestyle, side income and other metaverse related Topics.
Read this.
The Benefits and Risks about Digital Nomad Insurance for Web 3 creators.
The perks of using Crypto.com for travel and remote work in 2023
Privacy +Security With a Ledger Wallet and how they are useful in the Meta and Web3
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Serena Elis - Founder, of Daydream X Sea
Serena Elis is a Singer, Multi-Performer, 3D Artist, Blogger, and Music Producer. She is one of the First singers in Decentraland which is one of the first Metaverse on the Ethereum Blockchain. starting her journey in web 3 back in 2020, She's been featured on NBC news, and Mashable Magazine for her collaborations, and innovation in Space. You can find her in the Metaverse Performing weekly and working in the Entertainment World of Web3. She's also a digital native working remotely while traveling and with a devotion to creating engaging content with resources and helping other artists in their Journey.