An Exploratory Study on the Feasibility of Conducting Deliberative Polling ® in the Metaverse

The ongoing digital revolution is reshaping human communication and collaboration. Immersive technologies and artificial intelligence are opening new avenues for interaction, raising the question of whether these innovations can support Deliberative Polling ® , a social science method of engaging the public, in virtual environments. This study aims to explore the feasibility of conducting Deliberative Polling ® in the Metaverse. Thirty individuals from 10 nationalities participated in three experiences conducted on two different platforms. The first experience, conducted on Meta Horizon Worlds, served as a preliminary test to evaluate the platform’s usability and interaction dynamics. The second and third experiences, following the Deliberative Polling methodology, were conducted on Meta Horizon Worlds and Spatial, respectively. Each experience lasted approximately two hours. Across sessions, opinion changes were observed, and participants displayed virtual social dynamics similar to those in face-to-face deliberation. The results suggest that Deliberative Polling ® -like deliberations appear feasible in social VR under these exploratory conditions, as reflected in balanced discussions and topic-focused engagement. However, current VR hardware and software still require improvements to enhance accessibility, usability, and inclusivity for broader adoption. Future research with larger and more diverse participant pools is needed to assess not only feasibility but also effectiveness relative to traditional approaches.