# Beyond Presence: Exploring Empathy within the Metaverse
###### Abstract  
As the metaverse evolves, characterized by its immersive and interactive landscapes, it presents novel opportunities for empathy research. This study aims to systematically review how empathy manifests in metaverse environments, focusing on two distinct forms: specific empathy (context-based) and universal empathy (generalized). Our analysis reveals a predominant focus on specific empathy, driven by the immersive nature of virtual settings, such as virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR). However, we argue that such immersive scenarios alone are insufficient for a comprehensive exploration of empathy. To deepen empathetic engagement, we propose the integration of advanced sensory feedback mechanisms, such as haptic feedback and biometric sensing. This paper examines the current state of empathy in virtual environments, contrasts it with the potential for enriched empathetic connections through technological enhancements, and proposes future research directions. By fostering both specific and universal empathy, we envision a metaverse that not only bridges gaps but also cultivates meaningful, empathetic connections across its diverse user base. specific empathy; situated empathy; metaverse; universal empathy; immersive experience +
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trigger empathetic responses [4]. Unlike cognitive empathy, which assumes an objective understanding of another's mind, specific empathy acknowledges the inevitable influence of one's own experiences and contexts on this process. This calls into question the idea that empathy can be completely objective, highlighting how our own experiences and contexts shape our ability to understand others. On the other hand, universal empathy, also known as social empathy, refers to the ability to empathize with others without boundaries or filters [5]. It involves feeling concern for others and encompasses a broad sense of interconnectedness, rejecting notions of individuality and separation as false beliefs. Universal empathy extends beyond loved ones to include strangers and all humankind, fostering pro-social values and behaviors that prioritize the well-being of others without egoistic motives [5]. Universal empathy represents a more generalized form of empathy, transcending specific contexts, being an impartial spectator [9]. Recent research has leveraged the metaverse to examine how empathy manifests and how immersive environments enhance it through embodied avatars, contextual awareness, and shared virtual experiences. However, some studies challenge the emphasis on immersive experiences alone, suggesting that empathy fatigue or desensitization can occur with repeated exposure to virtual empathy scenarios [10; 11]. Others highlight the importance of social context and interpersonal communication over technology in fostering meaningful empathy. These perspectives indicate that empathy in the metaverse may not be solely reliant on immersion but requires a more nuanced approach that integrates social and psychological elements [12]. The main contribution of this article is to systematically review how empathy manifests in the metaverse and to classify it into specific and universal empathy. Additionally, we propose the integration of advanced sensory feedback mechanisms, such as haptic feedback and biometric sensing, to deepen empathetic engagement in virtual settings. By investigating the current state of research on AR, VR, and avatars, we aim to provide a comprehensive understanding of how these technologies can foster empathy and to propose future research directions. Our primary research questions are as follows:  
1. Can empathy in the metaverse be classified into two categories (specific vs. universal) and which category is more prevalent? 2. What are the unique features that define specific empathy in metaverse environments, particularly in relation to context and storytelling? 3. What are the key gaps in our current understanding of specific empathy within the metaverse context?