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Reconceptualizing the metaverse: A taxonomy for user experience analysis and insights from real-world platforms

Author

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  • Park, Sunyoung
  • Kim, Dongjae
  • Jeong, Euiseog
  • Jeong, Dahye
  • Park, Eunil

Abstract

While academia and industry share a common interest in the metaverse, there is a notable lack of consensus on its terminology. To bridge this gap, we propose a more suitable method for user experience analysis by integrating academic insights with real-world services. To this end, we developed a user experience-focused taxonomy by synthesizing academic perspectives and validating it across eight real-world platforms. In addition, we employ word co-occurrence network analysis to identify the primary concerns and opinions of real-world users. Our findings reveal that academia conceptualizes the metaverse through an idealized lens, emphasizing technical and functional aspects. However, real-world services do not necessarily adhere to the requirements outlined in academic definitions. For users, key concerns center on platform-specific characteristics, challenges, reliability, and privacy rather than technical factors. These results provide valuable insights by clarifying the metaverse’s definition and advocating for a more user-centered approach to its analysis and development.

Suggested Citation

  • Park, Sunyoung & Kim, Dongjae & Jeong, Euiseog & Jeong, Dahye & Park, Eunil, 2025. "Reconceptualizing the metaverse: A taxonomy for user experience analysis and insights from real-world platforms," Technology in Society, Elsevier, vol. 81(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:teinso:v:81:y:2025:i:c:s0160791x25000429
    DOI: 10.1016/j.techsoc.2025.102852
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