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te <|-UAL REALITY Looking for an out-of-this-world date? Welcome to the metaverse sunset on your first date might sound alittle far-fetched. But not so in the metaverse. Here, in this network of three- dimensional virtual worlds (best experienced through a virtual reality headset), you can gallop off on a unicorn or hop on a dragon. ‘And that's a big part of the attraction of virtual reality (VR) and the metaverse because it allows us, via avatars, to do things outside our everyday reality” People Tech Revolution joint chief executive Leonie Sanderson says. The immersive tech champion, with a pyschology degree, predicts metaverse dating is set to boom, much like online dating apps and Covid-fuelled Zoom dates have in recent years. “I see dating in the metaverse as a natural progression of how we use technology” Leonie says. | n the real world, riding off into the SOARING INTEREST According to Reddit data, mentions of “dating” within VR interest groups rocketed 249 per cent in the six months to April 2022 compared to the previous six months. Relationship expert Andrew Gung, founder and director of Core Confidence Coaching, is interested in the emerging trend. The 3D game animator turned dating coach is trialling metaverse dating “Dating in the metaverse is a topic clients bring up when they ask me, 'What's the best way of dating?” Andrew says. “Being a dating coach, I'm the type who WORDS SHELLEY THOMAS has to dabble in everything because if a client wants to learn more about it. Ineed to have experienced it myself” While none of Andrew's clients have yet dated in the metaverse, he has watched the trend surface. Last year, dating-specific VR apps Nevermet and Flirtual arrived, operating much like Tinder (but for avatars). And they look set to be followed this year by Planet Theta, which is tipped to include virtual dating spaces such as a bar and “enchanted forest’. Andrew stresses the metaverse, like any dating platform. should be seen as a tool before meeting in person and is secondary to building life skills centred ‘on self-confidence, leadership and real-life social interaction. UPSIDES AND DOWNSIDES But is it possible to form relationships in the metaverse? “The answer is yes, but whether they're positive or negative will depend on how we build the metaverse and ensure spaces are inclusive, safe and fun’ Leonie says. Simone Barker, chief executive of Zebrar. a Sydney creative technology studio renowned as a global leader in immersive experiences, agrees. Simone suggests metaverse dating platforms have a responsibility to involve psychologists in shaping the right experiences that bring couples together. “I think metaverse dating is going to let people share various complex experiences and create deeper aspects of connection and compatibility without external or materialistic judgments,’ she notes, Like any dating app, Andrew warns of the potential for ‘catfishing’ and other unwanted behaviour in the metaverse. On the plus side, he says a first date via an avatar may help people feel less self- conscious, instead putting the focus on “connection and chemistry’ He advises an avatar should represent an individual's identity as closely as possible to avoid disappointment when meeting in real life. And he also has this advice for metaverse daters: “Be authentic, progress over time and remember to have fun and a bit of a laugh, which is always good medicine on any first date” PRACTICE MAKES PERFECT Maybe you feel like you need help with refining your dating skills. VR technology is already assisting people with that. The DatingVerse is an online US business that offers VR coaching to help people overcome dating anxiety, learn how to flirt and forge romantic connections. Leonie's Brisbane company creates VR to educate and train people working in health and social care. She says practising dating in the metaverse via VR could be beneficial for those who feel socially anxious about meeting a potential partner. “It's definitely a space I'd consider working in if it means helping people practise behaviours they're not comfortable with, she notes. THE HOUSE OF wellness ca TOP5 | METAVERSE DATE NIGHTS It's best to meet potential partners in the metaverse via dating-specific apps and platforms rather than ‘organically meet’ them in an immersive world, But when you are ready to take the relationship further, here are some date ideas to explore. Visit the Egyptian pyramids or marvel at the Taj Mahal via Wander (essentially, a VR Google Street View). Head to a virtual D cretinrore Artists to date have included Ariana Grande and Travis Scott. Other platforms, including Microsoft's AltspaceVR and Meta’s Horizon Worlds, offer similar entertainment, extending to stand-up comedy, sports events, yoga sessions and more. Play paintball in Rec Room or choose from 40 million different games in gaming platform Roblox. Ride a dragon or mine meteors in Decentraland Sing and dance to karaoke in VRChat, 1 Stroll through Paris,
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