Unleashing Digital Frontiers: Bridging Realities of Augmented Reality, Virtual Reality, and the Metaverse

Abstract

This chapter adopts a historiographical methodology, meticulously retracing the lineage of Augmented Reality (AR) from the 16th century and scrutinizing the conceptual genesis of Virtual Reality (VR) in the mid-20th century. It rigorously scrutinizes the fundamental principles and applications of AR and VR, extending the discourse to encompass the foundational tenets and ramifications of the burgeoning Metaverse. Thoroughly examining ethical considerations and challenges, there is an emphasis on perpetuating research, judicious implementation, and establishing ethical frameworks. Elucidating the profound ramifications of AR on sundry industries, the transformative potential of VR in crafting immersive environments, and the emergent interconnected virtual realm of the Metaverse, key principles such as spatial mapping, interaction modalities, and cross-platform interoperability are accentuated. Ethical challenges inherent in Metaverse development, notably digital identity, and privacy are identified. The narrative steadfastly underscores the significance of perpetuated research and ethical considerations in steering the evolutionary trajectory of avant-garde technologies. The findings hold far-reaching implications for diverse sectors, encompassing navigation, marketing, healthcare, architecture, education, and entertainment. The Metaverse’s potential to reconfigure digital experiences ubiquitously and its consequential impact on privacy and content moderation accentuate the exigency for circumspect consideration in development and implementation. This chapter fervently advocates for responsible usage and the facilitation of equitable access. This chapter contributes to the scholarly corpus by synthesizing historical perspectives, core principles, and ethical considerations across the domains of AR, VR, and the Metaverse. The unique emphasis on sustained research endeavors and the establishment of ethical frameworks adds distinctive insights, thereby guiding the sagacious evolution of these paradigm-shifting technologies.

Citation

Nair, A.J., Manohar, S., Mittal, A. and Chaudhry, R. (2024), "Unleashing Digital Frontiers: Bridging Realities of Augmented Reality, Virtual Reality, and the Metaverse", Krishnan, C., Behl, A., Dash, S. and Yadav, P.D. (Ed.) The Metaverse Dilemma: Challenges and Opportunities for Business and Society, Emerald Publishing Limited, Leeds, pp. 85-112. https://doi.org/10.1108/978-1-83797-524-220241006