Bridging the Metaverse and Social Cohesion in Smart Cities

Abstract

It is estimated that the metaverse has the potential to affect peoples’ and communities’ lives. As an integrative virtual space that offers immersive experiences to its users, the metaverse can foster virtual interactions that not only mimic but also enhance real-world social activities and relations. With its ability to narrow or eliminate physical boundaries, the metaverse presents potential opportunities for enhancing social cohesion in diverse communities. Social cohesion - characterized by a sense of belonging, mutual trust, and collaboration - plays a vital role in connecting community members. This article provides a systematic review of existing literature on the metaverse’s implications, to explore its potential to promote social connections and inclusivity in communities, both essential elements of social cohesion. The study reviews articles sourced from the scientific repositories ScienceDirect, Web of Science, Google Scholar, and Scopus. The results show that the metaverse has the potential to bridge economic, social, and cultural gaps by facilitating social interactions, broadening access to education, fostering engagement as well as by creating new economic opportunities. These advancements can encourage a sense of unity and belonging, especially in the context of smart cities, where innovation and community building come together.