There was a time when "science fiction" (NOT science fiction & fantasy) was a fiction genre in where scientific conjecture had some connection, however tenuous. More importantly, it often served as a venue for discussing the societal impacts (speculations?) of recently evolving scientific explorations.
In the past year VR & AR experienced renewed interest. At least as early 1963, there was literary speculation about adverse impacts from VR & AR simulations having impacts out in the physical world. Perhaps this might have relevance for FaceBook's "MetaVerse" (whatever that's supposed to mean)
https://www.gutenberg.org/files/30796/30796-h/30796-h.htm