Over forty-six percent of Generation Z individuals anticipate they will hold jobs within the metaverse in the upcoming future.
The metaverse, a virtual world where users can work, play, and socialize, is currently in its infancy, with several distinct metaverses existing. Each metaverse offers its own avatars, access, currency, and unique experiences.
As we step into 2025, awareness and acceptance of the metaverse are notably higher among younger age groups, particularly Gen Z and Millennials, compared to older adults. In the United States, about 26% of adults overall have used the metaverse in the past 12 months, but usage is much higher among Virtual Reality (VR) headset owners (80%), a group that largely overlaps with younger demographics.
Research indicates that younger users are more engaged and familiar with metaverse platforms, often participating in activities like gaming, socializing, and virtual events. Gen Z and Millennials show greater excitement and openness towards metaverse experiences, driven largely by gaming and social interaction applications, which serve as primary entry points.
The immersive technology market is rapidly expanding, fueled by sectors popular with younger users, such as gaming and entertainment, suggesting growing acceptance and adoption among these cohorts. Research also identifies younger age groups as more predisposed to adopt the metaverse across geographies.
Older generations exhibit lower but growing interest in the metaverse as immersive technology adoption expands. The potential growth trajectory of the metaverse suggests continued maturation and evolution, with experts predicting it could be worth $5 trillion by 2030, equivalent to Japan's gross domestic product.
The metaverse, similar to the early days of the internet, is not yet a unified entity, with each metaverse having its own distinct features. Users access the metaverse via a browser or headset, and it combines various aspects of our lives such as social relationships, entertainment, gaming, fitness, work, education, and commerce.
Tech companies like Meta (formerly Facebook) and Microsoft are building the metaverse, and it's expected to follow a path similar to the internet, eventually surpassing all competing services.
62% of Gen Zers are aware of the metaverse, and 46% believe it will be part of their future jobs. Millennials also show a high level of awareness and acceptance of the metaverse.
In summary, Gen Z and Millennials currently represent the core user base and demonstrate the highest acceptance and engagement with the metaverse, while older generations exhibit lower but growing interest. This trend is bolstered by increasing availability of hardware and content tailored to younger audiences. The metaverse, a developing technology with potential for significant growth and integration into various aspects of modern life, continues to evolve and mature.
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Artificial-intelligence is increasingly being integrated into metaverse platforms, offering immersive and intelligent experiences for its users. As Gen Z and Millennials continue to drive the development and adoption of the metaverse, the advanced technology could revolutionize virtual interactions, particularly in gaming and social settings.
Given the rapid growth of the immersive technology market and the high level of engagement among younger age groups, experts predict that artificial-intelligence will play a crucial role in shaping the future of the metaverse, potentially transforming it into a $5 trillion industry by 2030.
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