Offstone JANUARY 2024 EDITION

29 THE ETHICAL IMPERATIVE: ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (AI) AND METAVERSE IN FUTURE COMMUNICATION By: Dr. Nur Faraheen Abdul Rahman, Dr. Tengku Amatullah Madeehah Tengku Mohd & Dr. Robiatul Adawiyah Mohd. nurfaraheen@usim.edu.my The first author is a Primary Care Physician, a founder of INVOLVE-ME (an initiative to enhance patient and public involvement in medical education) and a PhD holder in Primary Care and Population Health from the University College London, United Kingdom. She champions equitable access to healthcare education, particularly in co-creating the ideals and values of all parties. She is an avid reader, enjoys matcha and finds joy in long walks. Her motto in life is fastabiqul khairaat (rush to goodness). ABSTRACT In the evolving digital world, the metaverse blends technology and human connection. Ethical concerns arise as AI shapes communication within it. The metaverse offers great communication potential but raises questions about the impact of AI. Our study delves into the influence of AI on gender identity communication using gender-swapping research. Introduction Metaverse is a collective virtual world where the boundaries between the physical and digital realities blur. It is a space that is built upon augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR), and the internet, collectively known as extended reality (XR) and a place where people can immerse themselves in computer-generated environments and interact with others. AI may be used for various purposes in the metaverse, such as creating lifelike avatars, optimising real- time interactions, personalising content, and managing complex virtual worlds. However, we argue that the metaverse extends beyond the technological wonder. It also encompasses ethical complexity. Questions arise within this boundless cybernetic realm that reaches deep