The psychological and functional factors driving metaverse resistance
ISSN: 1066-2243
Article publication date: 3 October 2023
Issue publication date: 1 February 2024
Abstract
Purpose
While the metaverse is promised to be the next big step for the Internet, this new technology may also bear negative impacts on individuals and society. Drawing on innovation resistance literature, this article explores the reasons for metaverse resistance.
Design/methodology/approach
The study is based on 66 semi-structured interviews, and the subsequent data were analysed thematically.
Findings
The findings revealed 11 reasons for metaverse resistance: lack of understanding, lack of regulation, addiction avoidance, claustrophobia, loss of social ties, disconnection from reality, privacy concerns, extreme consumer society, unseen benefits, infeasibility and nausea.
Practical implications
By understanding the various reasons for metaverse resistance managers and policymakers can make better decisions to overcome the challenges facing this innovation, rather than adopting a “one-size-fits-all” approach.
Originality/value
While the literature has mainly adopted a positive perspective on the metaverse, this research offers a more nuanced view by identifying the reasons why consumers may resist the metaverse. Furthermore, this study introduces for the first-time “addiction-driven-innovation-resistance (ADIR)” as a potential reason for metaverse resistance, which may also apply to other cases of innovation resistance, when new innovations are perceived as being “too good” and therefore potentially addictive.
Keywords
Citation
Lee, M.S.W. and Chaney, D. (2024), "The psychological and functional factors driving metaverse resistance", Internet Research, Vol. 34 No. 1, pp. 195-215. https://doi.org/10.1108/INTR-08-2022-0647
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
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