The Social Shaping of the Metaverse as an Alternative to the Imaginaries of Data-Driven Smart Cities: A Study in Science, Technology, and Society

Smart Cities, Journal Year: 2022, Volume and Issue: 5(3), P. 832 - 874

Published: July 28, 2022

Science and technology transform the frontiers of knowledge have deep powerful impacts on society, demonstrating how social reality varies with each era world. As a set fictional representations technologically driven future worlds, Metaverse is increasingly shaping socio-technical imaginaries data-driven smart cities, i.e., outcome radical transformations dominant structures, processes, practices, cultures. At core systematic exploration science relationships between scientific knowledge, technological systems, values ethics from wide range perspectives. Positioned within science, this study investigates complex interplay as form wider context in which it embedded. Therefore, adopts an analytical philosophical framework STS, doing so, employs integrated approach to discourse analysis, supported by comparative analysis Ambient Intelligence. This shows that activity socially constructed, politically driven, economically conditioned, historically situated. That is, inherently human hence value-laden, well can only be understood contextualized socio-political-economic-historical gives rise it, sustains makes durable material effects networks. view turn corroborates raises serious concerns determinism, exclusion, marginalization, privacy erosion, surveillance, control, democratic backsliding, hive mentality, cyber-utopianism, dystopianism. argues that, due problematic nature terms its inherent ethical implications, there need more explicit processes practices for enhancing public participation allowing role especially early decision-making process development—when opportunity effective inputs informed choices greatest. The novelty lies first kind respect probing link cities STS perspective. main contribution deepening extending critiques understandings based evaluation warning signals troubling visions conveys animates order help construct desirable alternative futures greater good all citizens. ultimate goal structure ways are morally acceptable collectively most democratically beneficial society.

Language: Английский

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The Metaverse as a virtual form of data-driven smart urbanism: platformization and its underlying processes, institutional dimensions, and disruptive impacts

Computational Urban Science, Journal Year: 2022, Volume and Issue: 2(1)

Published: Aug. 12, 2022

Abstract The emerging phenomenon of platformization has given rise to what been termed "platform society,“ a digitally connected world where platforms have penetrated the heart urban societies—transforming social practices, disrupting interactions and market relations, affecting democratic processes. One recent manifestations is Metaverse, global platform whose data infrastructures, governance models, economic processes are predicted penetrate different sectors spheres life. Metaverse an idea hypothetical set “parallel virtual worlds” that incarnate ways living in believably cities as alternative future data-driven smart cities. However, this already raised concerns over constitutes architecture computer mediation underlying with regard forms life well order. This study analyzes core trends enabling driving uses outcome devise novel framework for digital computing form Further, it examines discusses risks impacts paying particular attention to: platformization; COVID-19 crisis ensuing non-spontaneous "normality" order; corporate-led technocratic governance; governmentality; privacy, security, trust; governance. A thematic analysis approach adopted cope vast body literature various disciplinarities. identifies five related cities: instrumentation, hyper-connectivity, datafication, algorithmization, platformization. novelty derived based on lies its essential processual components way which these structured integrated their clear synergies functioning towards potentially highlights how why identified processes—as intricately interwoven entirety living—arouse contentions controversies pertaining society’ public values. As such, provides new insights into understanding complex interplay between science technology other dimensions society. Accordingly, contributes scholarly debates field Science, Technology, Society (STS) by highlighting societal ethical implications societies through Metaverse.

Language: Английский

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The Metaverse as a Virtual Form of Data-Driven Smart Urbanism: On Post-Pandemic Governance through the Prism of the Logic of Surveillance Capitalism

Smart Cities, Journal Year: 2022, Volume and Issue: 5(2), P. 715 - 727

Published: May 31, 2022

The Metaverse, as a gigantic ecosystem application enabled mainly by Artificial Intelligence (AI), the IoT, Big Data, and Extended Reality (XR) technologies, represents an idea of hypothetical "parallel virtual environment" that incarnates ways living in virtually inhabitable cities. It is increasingly seen transition from smart cities to new target for city governments attain “new” goals. However, Metaverse project was launched amid COVID-19 pandemic, crisis purported be rare opportunity should seized reset reimagine world—though regard its digital incarnation, what this entails terms both cementing normalizing corporate-led, top-down, technocratic, tech-mediated, algorithmic mode governance, well forms controlling urban society. “new normal” has already set stage undemocratically resetting unilaterally reimagining world, resulting abrupt large-scale transformation society, process digitization digitalization turn paving way era merging virtuality urbanity. This raised serious concerns over risks impacts surveillance technologies have been rapidly massively deployed wake pandemic. These also relate global architecture computer mediation upon which logic capitalism depends, constituted control commodification mechanisms seek monitor, predict, control, trade behavior human users, exile them their own. viewpoint paper explores questions prism social economic capitalism, focusing on how why practices post-pandemic governance society are bound undemocratic unethical. novelty lies providing insights into understanding dark side ostensible fancier successor Internet today, thereby value contribution ongoing scholarly debates field Science, Technology, Society (STS). In addition, shedding light emergence computing platform, seeks help policymakers understand assess ramifications wide adoption, users make informed decisions about usage everyday activity—if it actualizes.

Language: Английский

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The future of metaverse adoption: A behavioral reasoning perspective with a text‐mining approach

Journal of Consumer Behaviour, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 23(5), P. 2217 - 2233

Published: April 10, 2024

Abstract Metaverse is portrayed as the next significant technology innovation with an estimated market opportunity of US $800 billion. offers numerous opportunities and unmatchable user experience, yet its acceptance among masses still a long way off. Moreover, within 2 years existence grandiose hype about huge potential, current business sentiments are not so hopeful. Despite positive encouraging feedback, reasons behind limited success metaverse need scientific exploration. This study uses netnography to collect online data from 751 articles (news articles, expert opinions, perspectives, blogs). Further, we use text‐mining method structural topic modeling generate insights text perform sentiment analysis. The identified topics mapped explained using behavioral reasoning theory highlight “reasons for” against” adoption. study's findings identify flexibility, brand human centricity, virtual retail experience enablers metaverse, while regulatory issues, usage barriers, financial investment, skepticism act barriers adopting metaverse. social adventure influence were categorized under subjective norms. contributes scarce literature on adoption actionable marketers craft marketing strategies benefit

Language: Английский

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Sustainability Reporting in the Metaverse

Advances in social networking and online communities book series, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: unknown, P. 147 - 165

Published: April 5, 2024

Metaverse is a virtual environment where we interact with each other and the world around us. integrates physical digital environment. In this study, author explored extent to which different metaverse technologies have been disclosed in sustainability reports integrated reports. For this, specific Indian companies selected from Nifty 100 index that made ‘metaverse technologies'-related disclosures these Further, of extracted analyse content see reported by major industries. The study also attempts highlight important internet things (IoT), artificial intelligence (AI), reality (VR) technologies-based platforms, initiatives projects initiated industries improve their productivity operational efficiency ensure safety at workplace.

Language: Английский

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Investigating Users’ Acceptance of the Metaverse with an Extended Technology Acceptance Model

International Journal of Human-Computer Interaction, Journal Year: 2023, Volume and Issue: 40(19), P. 5810 - 5826

Published: Aug. 6, 2023

AbstractThe Metaverse, characterized as an interactive and immersive 3D virtual world, is widely recognized for its considerable potential across a range of industries. However, the long-term viability success Metaverse are contingent upon extent to which users accept adopt it. Despite this critical aspect, there scarcity research that investigates factors influencing user acceptance Metaverse. To address gap, present study expands technology model by integrating social psychological constructs such interaction, presence, conformity, emotional attachment, flow, perceived enjoyment. The data were obtained through online survey. A total 418 responses collected from users, with response rate 84%. Partial least squares structural equation modeling was used analyze survey data. Results showed that: (1) ease use (β = 0.214, p < 0,001), attachment 0.375 enjoyment 0.194, 0,001) could have positive effect on usefulness; (2) 0.142, 0.018), 0.179, 0.008), presence 0.183, 0.008) use; (3) usefulness 0.432, 0.106, 0.011), 0.209, interaction attitudes toward using Metaverse; (4) 0.174, 0.001), 0.35, flow 0.128, 0.015) positively influence users' intention not significantly 0.078, 0.141). These results offer important implications developers practitioners looking design promote utilization Metaverse.Keywords: Metaversetechnology acceptancesocial interactionsocial presenceflowperceived enjoymentemotional attachmentconformity AcknowledgmentsWe would like extend our gratitude anonymous reviewers funding.Informed consentAll participants voluntarily signed consent form before answering questionnaire.Disclosure statementWe no conflicts interest declare relevant content article.Data availability statementThe support findings available request corresponding author. publicly due privacy or ethical restrictions.Additional informationFundingThis work supported Key Research Application Project Laboratory Technologies Localization Language Services State Administration Press Publication, "Research Intelligent Education Technology 'Belt Road Initiative" (Project Number: CSLS 20230012), Special fund Beijing Co-construction Project-Research reform "Undergraduate Teaching Reform Innovation Project" higher education in 2020-innovative "multilingual +" excellent talent training system (202010032003), Culture University Excellent Doctoral Dissertation Cultivation Program Funding Project, Fundamental Funds Central Universities, [23YCX004].Notes contributorsRong WuRong Wu doctoral student at Department English Studies, Faculty Foreign University. She has already participated six scientific projects published over ten academic papers. Her includes educational technologies, language acquisition, translation.Zhonggen YuZhonggen Yu, Professor University, Fellow Academy International Services, Director Center Research, National Base Service Export, 150 He focuses technologies.

Language: Английский

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The Metaverse as a Virtual Model of Platform Urbanism: Its Converging AIoT, XReality, Neurotech, and Nanobiotech and Their Applications, Challenges, and Risks

Smart Cities, Journal Year: 2023, Volume and Issue: 6(3), P. 1345 - 1384

Published: May 11, 2023

With their exponentially rising computational power, digital platforms are heralding a new era of hybrid intelligence. There has recently been much enthusiasm and hype that the Metaverse potential to unlock This is premised on idea represents an applied convergence Artificial Intelligence Things (AIoT) Extended Reality (XR) intersects with urbanism in terms distinctive features platform-mediated everyday life experiences cities. However, social interaction its resulting organization mediated governed by algorithms thus submitted to—a dream of—complete logical ordering. raises plethora concerns related systemic collection algorithmic processing users’ personal, brain, biometric data, i.e., profound societal—and hardest predict ethical—implications. Therefore, this study analyzes synthesizes large body scientific literature unfolding AIoT XR technologies, neurotechnology, nanobiotechnology realm order derive novel conceptual framework for as envisioned virtual model platform urbanism. Further, it examines key challenges risks these converging technologies relation beyond. employs thematic analysis synthesis cope multidisciplinary literature. The identifies seven themes: (1) Platformization, (2) urbanism, (3) (4) (5) (6) (7) nanobiotechnology. synthesized evidence reveals that, while neurotechnology have numerous benefits promising prospects, they raise contentions controversies stemming from use inflict harm human users—if left unchecked—through black box mediation underpinning Metaverse. findings serve steer contribute flourishing wellbeing adhering upholding ethical principles well leveraging underlying disruptive meaningful ways. They also aid scholars, practitioners, policymakers assessing pros cons especially inevitable ramifications.

Language: Английский

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Exploring the intersection of sustainable consumption and the Metaverse: A review of current literature and future research directions

Heliyon, Journal Year: 2023, Volume and Issue: 9(9), P. e19190 - e19190

Published: Aug. 17, 2023

This study aims to analyze the intersection between Metaverse and sustainable consumption by examining reviewing 21 journal articles identify future research directions for studies in this domain. The review identifies five domains of literature field, namely smart cities, social sustainability, tourism, education, marketing. Our findings suggest that these areas offer valuable insights Metaverse. authors highlight need a comprehensive understanding economic environmental impacts on consumption. Finally, directions, including better consumer behavior, policy considerations, motivations role technology promoting contributes emerging field providing an overview current field.

Language: Английский

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Worldwide Overview and Country Differences in Metaverse Research: A Bibliometric Analysis

Sustainability, Journal Year: 2023, Volume and Issue: 15(4), P. 3541 - 3541

Published: Feb. 15, 2023

As a research topic integrating various subjects and technologies, Metaverse has been global concern in recent years. This study explores the hotspots frontiers of academic on based bibliometric analysis from 2012 to 2021. A keyword retrieval dataset related was constructed expert consultation manual reading literature, retrieving articles conference papers Scopus database. Critical points are represented terms scale, co-occurrence networks, citation bursts, international collaborative networks with application VOSviewer CiteSpace’s visualization software. The results indicate that is experiencing rapid growth, countries/regions increasing their production at varying speeds. also three most prolific countries, United States, China Germany, for comparison, showing leading as virtual reality research, we find there differences clustering hotspot evolution among countries over past decade. By determining current status overall development path field, paper intends provide reference future technical Metaverse.

Language: Английский

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Metaverse: open possibilities

Iraqi Journal for Computer Science and Mathematics, Journal Year: 2023, Volume and Issue: unknown, P. 79 - 86

Published: Aug. 3, 2023

To create a completely immersive, highly spatiotemporal, and self-sustaining virtual shared place for humans to play, work, interact, the Metaverse is an emerging paradigm of next-generation Internet. transitioning from science fiction near-future reality thanks recent developments in new technologies like extended reality, artificial intelligence, blockchain.In this study, we investigate Metaverse, shared, fully immersive environment that could serve as model Internet’s future generation. Safety, education, games, entertainment, social effects, economy, ethics, issues are just few many areas covered. The Metaverse’s innovative tools communication collaboration may have profound impact on people’s daily lives way society operates whole. However, there obstacles must be addressed before it can implemented. If accepted, far different digital possible.

Language: Английский

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