The neurosociological paradigm of the metaverse

Abstract

Metaverse integrates people into the virtual world, and challenges depend on advances in human, technological, and procedural dimensions. Until now, solutions to these challenges have not involved extensive neurosociological research. The study explores the pioneering neurosociological paradigm in metaverse, emphasizing its potential to revolutionize our understanding of social interactions through advanced methodologies such as hyperscanning and interbrain synchrony. This convergence presents unprecedented opportunities for neurotypical and neurodivergent individuals due to technology personalization. Traditional face-to-face, interbrain coupling, and metaverse interactions are empirically substantiated. Biomarkers of social interaction as feedback between social brain networks and metaverse is presented. The innovative contribution of findings to the broader literature on metaverse and neurosociology is substantiated. This article also discusses the ethical aspects of integrating the neurosociological paradigm into the metaverse.

Keywords: ethics; hyperscanning; interbrain synchrony; metaverse; neurodiversity; neurosociological paradigm; social brain networks; social virtual reality.

Figure 1

Brain-to-brain hyperscanning using fNIRS and EEG as the key methods for studying social interaction synchrony within the neurosociological paradigm. The figure demonstrates how different conditions (free, inpatient, and laboratory) enable the detailed mapping and synchronization of the brain signals, which is essential for understanding social behavior in both real and virtual environments (above). Neurosociological methodology of multipersonal hyperscanning and interbrain synchrony via controlled avatars and digital virtual objects of the social virtual platforms are necessary for revolutionizing our understanding of social interactions by leveraging advanced methodologies (below).

Figure 2

Interaction of the main neural networks in social behavior, highlighting the role of CEN, DMN, and SN in modulating cognitive and emotional processes. This balance is critical for optimizing social interactions within the dynamic environments of the metaverse. In doing so, multistage quanta of the neurosociological paradigm in the metaverse increase the information processing at the global internetwork and local intranetwork levels of DMN and CEN in their current control by SN.

Figure 3

Multistage integration of the neurosociological paradigm within the metaverse, showing how EEG and fNIRS are used to monitor brain activity and achieve interbrain synchrony during social interactions. AI provides real-time feedback, guiding users through the dynamically changing virtual environments to optimize social communication. Based on our quantization hypothesis of the neurosociological paradigm, the multistage integration can represent a stream of quanta: 1. Series of quanta at the level of global interbrain synchronization of the social neural networks in the personalized metaverse for neurotypical or neurodivergent individuals. 2. Series of quanta at the level of intranetwork interbrain synchronization of the social neural networks (DMN, CEN, and SN). 3. Series of quanta of the neurosociological paradigm in the metaverse using different neurotechnologies: fNIRS, EEG, or fNIRS in combination with EEG, or using simple/complex VR scenarios.

Figure 4

Implementation of the neurosociological paradigm in the metaverse, demonstrating how users engage with the VR platforms through EEG/fNIRS neurotechnologies. AI dynamically adjusts interactions based on real-time interbrain synchrony, creating a continuous feedback loop between virtual experiences and real-world cognitive processes.

Figure 5

Illustration of the balance between the central executive network (CEN) and default mode network (DMN), regulated by the salience network (SN). This neurophysiological balance is critical for optimizing social behavior and cognitive processes within the metaverse, ensuring users can effectively navigate and interact in virtual environments.