Metaverse Perception Scale Development and Validation

Abstract

The metaverse, perceived as the next phase of the Internet, promises to transcend mere upgrades by integrating transformative technologies such as artificial intelligence, virtual reality, and blockchain, which form the foundations of its structure. However, the absence of a standardized scale to assess perceptions of the metaverse poses a considerable limitation to studies in social science on this topic. This study developed a measurement tool that can be used in social science investigations to address this gap. Working with experts in the field, we created a pool of items encompassing six dimensions and 67 items. Exploratory factor analysis examined the data collected from 209 participants, and the confirmatory factor analysis assessed data from 247 participants. The proposed scale comprises 25 statements and six dimensions: (i) anxiety, (ii) education, (iii) entertainment, (iv) psychosocial effect, (v) knowledge-sharing, and (vi) business.