A review of the literature on the metaverse: definition, technologies, and user behaviors

【Author】 Zhou, Zhongyun; Chen, Zidie; Jin, Xiao-Ling

【Source】INTERNET RESEARCH

【影响因子】6.353

【Abstract】PurposeAs a sociotechnical system, the metaverse has sparked heated discussion. However, concerns abound that the concept is "old wine in a new bottle" used for capital hype. The mixed definitions of the metaverse and unclear relationships between its technical features and user behaviors have greatly impeded its design and application. Therefore, the authors aim to sort out the metaverse definition and properties, analyze its technical features in various contexts and unveil the mechanisms leading to user behaviors.Design/methodology/approachThe authors conduct a literature review on the definition, technical features and user behaviors of/in the metaverse.FindingsFirst, the authors identify two main categories of the metaverse definition and find a mixed conceptualization. Second, the authors present technologies and technical features in the diverse contexts of the metaverse. Third, the authors summarize the effect of technical features on user behaviors from a sociotechnical perspective.Originality/valueThe authors analyze the definition, technical features, user behaviors of the metaverse and their theoretical foundations. Based on these findings, the authors propose a theoretical framework unveiling how social and technical elements affect user behaviors in the metaverse. In conclusion, the study offers a research agenda for future studies.

【Keywords】The metaverse; Literature review; Definition; Technical features; User behaviors; Sociotechnical perspective

【发表时间】2023 2023 SEP 12

【收录时间】2023-10-06

【文献类型】综述

【主题类别】

区块链应用-虚拟经济-元宇宙