Sánchez Rodríguez Irene, Bailo Luca, Panizza Folco, van Es Valerie A A, Alessi Marzio, Betta Monica, Ricciardi Emiliano
IMT School for Advanced Studies Lucca, Molecular Mind Laboratory, Lucca, Italy.
Neuroscience Lab, Intesa Sanpaolo Innovation Center SpA, Turin, Italy.
Front Psychol. 2025 Jun 19;16:1581029. doi: 10.3389/fpsyg.2025.1581029. eCollection 2025.
The shift toward remote work and digitization has driven the widespread adoption of virtual collaboration tools. While these technologies offer opportunities for enhanced remote interaction, they also present challenges related to communication, security, and social dynamics. Understanding how different digital environments impact collaboration and learning is crucial as workplaces evolve.
This study investigated the impact of four workplace environments-physical presence, videoconferencing, non-immersive Metaverse, and immersive Metaverse-on task performance, cognitive engagement, ergonomics, and social dynamics. A total of 103 participants performed an "active" social decision-making task and a "passive" information retention task. Behavioral and electrophysiological data (EEG-based indices of concentration, fatigue, and relaxation) were collected to assess cognitive and emotional states.
Virtual environments supported collaboration comparably to physical presence. However, immersive environments (Metaverse VR+) were associated with reduced concentration and increased cognitive load, particularly during passive learning. Female participants exhibited higher attentional focus across conditions, and older participants outperformed younger ones in certain tasks. Ergonomic factors such as device comfort and ease of use significantly influenced concentration and relaxation.
While virtual platforms can replicate many aspects of physical presence, key differences persist in cognitive load, comfort, and engagement-especially in immersive settings. These findings highlight the potential and limitations of technologies like the Metaverse in supporting remote collaboration and learning, emphasizing the need for thoughtful design to reduce fatigue and enhance usability.
向远程工作和数字化的转变推动了虚拟协作工具的广泛采用。虽然这些技术为加强远程互动提供了机会，但它们也带来了与沟通、安全和社会动态相关的挑战。随着工作场所的不断发展，了解不同的数字环境如何影响协作和学习至关重要。
本研究调查了四种工作场所环境——实体在场、视频会议、非沉浸式元宇宙和沉浸式元宇宙——对任务绩效、认知参与度、人体工程学和社会动态的影响。共有103名参与者执行了一项“主动”社会决策任务和一项 “被动” 信息保留任务。收集行为和电生理数据（基于脑电图的注意力、疲劳和放松指标）以评估认知和情绪状态。
虚拟环境在支持协作方面与实体在场相当。然而，沉浸式环境（元宇宙VR+）与注意力下降和认知负荷增加有关，尤其是在被动学习期间。女性参与者在各种情况下表现出更高的注意力集中度，而年长参与者在某些任务中的表现优于年轻参与者。设备舒适度和易用性等人体工程学因素显著影响注意力和放松程度。
虽然虚拟平台可以复制实体在场的许多方面，但在认知负荷、舒适度和参与度方面仍然存在关键差异——尤其是在沉浸式环境中。这些发现凸显了元宇宙等技术在支持远程协作和学习方面的潜力和局限性，强调需要进行精心设计以减少疲劳并提高可用性。
