Virtual Marriage Counseling Is a Growing Trend
After all, the essence of marriage is more about economic mutual support than a purely emotional bond. Against the backdrop of ongoing socioeconomic evolution, changes in the form of marriage are inevitable.
The Rise of Virtual Marriage
How else could human marriage evolve? This is undoubtedly a thought-provoking topic. Here, we explore a possibility that is gaining traction: falling in love with and marrying a virtual character, the so-called "metaverse" marriage. As a new way to meet emotional needs, virtual marriage is gaining traction, especially as young people, facing economic pressures and the constraints of traditional marriage, seek a more liberated lifestyle by establishing emotional connections with virtual characters.
Definition of Virtual Marriage
Virtual marriage, also known as digital marriage, is an online role-playing activity that emerged with the development of the internet. It simulates a marital relationship through virtual communities or gaming platforms. Participants meet social needs through symbolic interaction, unconstrained by real-world laws. It is essentially a digital experiment in interpersonal relationships, combining emotional play with social exploration. This practice encompasses virtual registration and wedding ceremonies, and can be expressed through chatroom interactions, role-playing games, and posting in virtual communities. Some online communities have established rules that mimic real-life marriages, such as prohibiting bigamy and restricting gender requirements. Violators face virtual penalties such as account restrictions. Participants' motivations include relieving real-life pressures, exploring the concept of marriage, or following trends.
Current Status and Trends of Virtual Marriage
- The Development of "Metaverse" Marriage
In recent years, many people in Japan have entered into unofficial marriages with anime characters, their "love stories" becoming part of their real lives. Advances in technology have enabled anime and virtual characters to interact with humans, creating a "metaverse"-like experience. Some people choose to marry virtual characters, though this isn't entirely equivalent to a traditional marriage.
- "Paper Sex" and Related Industries
With the widespread adoption of smart devices, anime characters have taken on a new look. Their functions are no longer limited to static displays on paper or television, but can now interact with people in the real world in real time. This scenario seems to have opened the door to a simplified version of "metaverse" life, which is quietly approaching. "Papersexuals" are those who marry virtual characters. The industry supporting them satisfies young people's demand for non-physical partners, although this remains a niche option. As Asia's economic leaders, Japan and South Korea often set trends in their societies. While their economies are booming, we've also observed similar trends to our own, such as declining marriage and fertility rates. Young people are increasingly finding it difficult to cope with work pressures and the compromises inherent in marriage. They yearn to break free from the constraints of traditional marriage and pursue a more liberated lifestyle. At the same time, the high cost of marriage is prohibitive for many young people, who are no longer willing to sacrifice their dreams and future for marriage.