Metaverse From The Perspective Of Reality Theories: Which Is Real, Digital Me Or Physical Me?

In the metaverse era, the rapid convergence of physical and digitally mediated environments is reshaping how reality is perceived and constructed. This study revisits the concept of reality through major philosophical theories to examine the relationship between the digital self and the physical self in metaverse contexts. Using Plato’s theory of forms, Descartes’ mind–body dualism, Kant’s transcendental idealism, and Baudrillard’s simulation theory as analytical lenses, it shows how “the real” becomes a multilayered construct in the digital age. Methodologically, the article adopts a structured narrative review and a theory-driven qualitative synthesis of scholarly works, integrating foundational philosophical texts with contemporary research on digital culture and metaverse technologies. The synthesis foregrounds themes of digital identity, virtual selfhood, and algorithmic representation to clarify how digitally mediated environments reconfigure experiences of reality. The findings indicate that the digital self is no longer merely representational but functions as an ontological dimension of existence alongside the physical self. The study concludes that metaverse-enabled digital realities challenge inherited assumptions about reality, prompting renewed philosophical inquiry into identity, being, and truth.