12th July 2023
This working paper, a joint effort by The Alliance for Universal Digital Rights and Vulnera, was written to assess the impact of the metaverse on human vulnerability. On the one hand, it acknowledges the positive impact the metaverse could have in empowering individuals and enhancing human capabilities, particularly for those who experience vulnerability in the offline world. However, it also highlights the reinforcement of social inequalities due to the digital divide, limited access for certain groups, and the perpetuation of subordination and conformity within the virtual realm.
The paper explores the reasons behind the development of the metaverse, its creation and accessibility, the individuals responsible for its creation, and its definition. It also explores the nuances and definitions of vulnerability, positioning human vulnerability within the context of the metaverse to consider its impact.