Discovering Positive and Negative Outcomes of Metaverse Uses
Dooyoung Choi, Old Dominion University
Award Amount: $2,000
Abstract:
Although metaverses have become increasingly prominent as an alternative space to enjoy social life due to the lockdown during the COVID-19 pandemic, research on the aftereffects of metaverses, both positive and negative, is largely limited. As the metaverse expands rapidly, further research is needed to design purpose-driven metaverse experiences that contribute to the well-being of metaverse consumers. Moreover, potential risks of this emerging digital world should be identified before its mass diffusion to general consumers. Given that Maslow’s hierarchy of needs provides an explanation of what is required to improve life satisfaction, this research project will adapt the categories of Maslow’s human needs to explore the positive metaverse outcomes of meeting the needs and the negative metaverse outcomes that threaten the needs. A sequential mixed-methods approach will be used with interviews followed by an online survey.