Metaverse Technologies: Are We Doomed to Cancer and Blindness?

Voiceover

Presenter(s)

Zachary Schultz

Abstract or Description

This research examines the increased usage, impact, and potential long term effects of metaverse technologies like Virtual Reality (VR), Augmented Reality (AR), and other related devices. Metaverse technologies are a new type of media technology that is ever growing in use. Hence, they are becoming more ubiquitous in our society due to the social, cultural, and technological "hype" surrounding the metaverse. Individuals are quickly embracing these technologies and we expect this to continue as they become increasingly more mainstream. Further, such technologies use wireless innovations (e.g., WiFi and 5G networks) that will facilitate communication for future users. However, increasing research has shown these wireless technologies emit radiation to function. As VR and AR are located on the users' face-this may lead to increased exposure to radiation with long term use. We hope to learn if extended exposure to the radiation emitted by metaverse technologies poses a health concern. We collected data about radiation relating to Specific Absorption Rate, the measure of energy absorption by a body relative to a radiation source. The results suggest that these rates are within acceptable limits per FCC regulations. Despite the FCC regulations, the long-term effects have not been studied as this form of tech use has only recently been introduced, limiting the ability of present research but posing considerable potential for future work.

Mentor

Gabriel E. Hales, Rabindra A. Ratan