This preliminary research uses various system frameworks to delve into the ways in which Virtual Worlds may negatively impact the psychological well-being of its users and examines the underlying motivations driving this behavior. Secondly, it proposes an update to the limited definition of ‘Problematic Internet Use’ and moves towards a more concurrent definition of ‘Problematic Virtual Use’ or ‘PVU’ as the phenomenon that not just includes problematic online behavior but also the problematic use of social media, gaming, consumerism, and the future of immersive technologies. Third, it proposes a framework to identify problematic behavior patterns ‘The User Type Quadrant’, and finally proposes 3 innovative strategies to mitigate use of virtual worlds at the detriment of real-life connectivity and well-being – User Quadrant, Affinity Profile and The Attachment Blueprint.
This project hopes to create a change in the way online behavior of individuals and systems is understood and responded to in light of advancing technologies.