Analyzing the Impact of Metaverse Technology on Social Development: A Field Study on Generation Z in the United Arab Emirates

Enaam Youssef (), Mervat Medhat, Soumaya Abdellatif and Nagwa Babiker Yousif
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Enaam Youssef: Department of Sociology, College of Humanities and Sciences, Ajman University, Ajman P.O. Box 346, United Arab Emirates
Mervat Medhat: College of Mass Communication, Ajman University, Ajman 61001, United Arab Emirates
Soumaya Abdellatif: Department of Sociology, College of Humanities and Sciences, Ajman University, Ajman P.O. Box 346, United Arab Emirates
Nagwa Babiker Yousif: Department of Sociology, College of Humanities and Sciences, Ajman University, Ajman P.O. Box 346, United Arab Emirates

Social Sciences, 2024, vol. 13, issue 9, 1-21

Abstract: Considering the current role of technology, this research aims to investigate the impact of the metaverse on social development and psychological well-being in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The focus remains on Generation Z, as an important portion of the country’s metaverse users. Supported by the technology determinism theory, this research used a structured questionnaire to gather data from 363 respondents. The analysis indicates that metaverse technology significantly impacts social development and psychological well-being. The effect of metaverse technology on social development remained positive, with the p -value at p > 0.000. In addition, metaverse technology also has a significant positive effect on psychological well-being ( p > 0.000), with the findings showing strong statistical support for this relationship. These results confirm that metaverse technology plays a significant role in improving both social and psychological facets. Thus, it is concluded that the metaverse creates immersive virtual environments that help unique forms of social interaction and connectivity, confounding geographical barriers. This can improve social skills and communication and promote a strong sense of community. The metaverse offers a directed and engaging space to practice social interactions and gain confidence, indicating its positive, constructive role in society.

Keywords: metaverse technology; social development; Generation Z; psychological wellbeing; partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: A B N P Y80 Z00 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2024
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