1. Awareness of the metaverse is low, but engagement is high
“There is, frankly, little difference between the digital world and the real world,” explains an 18-year-old tech adopter from South Korea. This view is commonplace with Gen Z. They have friends at school. They play games with these friends. At home, they tap into elements of the metaverse in the games they play with new friends they’ve made.
For Gen Z, while not always understanding what it entails, the metaverse is merely an extension of the world they live in. With the lines becoming increasingly blurred, the only real difference is in the experiences they can have in the metaverse.
2. The social experience is a key draw to the metaverse
“You’re always socializing,” says a 25-year-old tech adopter from the US. “You can play customization games. The social element makes the community feel connected. It’s not just some guy in a suit dictating what we should play; it’s a game driven by users.”
The metaverse is where Gen Z can search for connections with those who share unique interests, defying the boundaries of geography to take part in virtual experiences with people they value. In the physical world, groups of people are thrown together, such as in a class at school, and individuals have to find people with similar interests. With shared interests already, it’s easier to do that in the metaverse.
3. Identity in the metaverse is a new opportunity for experimentation
“The metaverse is good for people who want to be who they are but can’t in real life,” explains one 18-year-old from the US. The metaverse presents an opportunity to experiment with identities without prejudices often felt in the physical world. Creating avatars that reflect complementary aspects of identity makes users feel freer to be ‘themselves.’
4. Digital assets are a draw for some
During this year's Roblox Developers Conference, it was announced that in-game ads would be rolled out next year on the platform. While Gen Z is highly aware of digital assets – with many purchasing in-game items or level-up boosts – many are wary of attempts to commercialize the metaverse. A 25-year-old from Brazil is one of them: “I don’t like this dynamic. MOBA [Multiplayer online battle arena] games are pay-to-win because you buy the best rune, these kinds of things.”
It’s feared that money and commercialization could taint the metaverse, entrenching the inequality and struggles many from Gen Z experience. Instead, they seek a free, fair and flexible metaverse for all.
5. Technology is central to their conception of the metaverse
“The VR glasses are my favorite piece of technology,” explains a 24-year-old from the UAE. “They allow me to engage in activities like flying planes and driving cars – the technology is amazing.” Influenced by the futuristic virtual worlds in popular culture, many hope technology such as VR and AR will bring greater levels of immersion and experience to the metaverse. Accessibility remains a concern, with many from Gen Z identifying inequality as the root of technical issues.
6. Gen Z wants to build the metaverse, so it reflects their values
Enthusiastic about the future of the metaverse – especially the ability to socialize and play through uniquely virtual experiences – Gen Z is concerned about its future impact on society and the role of social inequalities in the metaverse limiting accessibility for all. “When you’re low income,” explains an 18-year-old male from the US, “it’s not about cool clothes, it’s about having clothes. If I ever have to choose between having something in real life or Roblox, it will be real life every time.”
To free the metaverse from the burdens that could limit accessibility and create exclusion while providing the open space of free expression they desire, Gen Z wants to play a role in shaping it.
Source : www.nokia.com
