Publication Type

Journal Article

Version

publishedVersion

Publication Date

11-2025

Abstract

The metaverse is a computer-mediated environment where users take the form of digital avatars when participating in activities and interacting with one another. Given the popularity of the metaverse, especially among the younger population, we identified the values offered by the metaverse for leisure use by its users. Using the Value-Focused Thinking (VFT) approach, we identified these values in the form of fundamental and means objectives. The VFT approach was applied in interviewing users who conduct leisure activities in the metaverse and in analyzing the data collected. A total of 27 metaverse users were interviewed, which generated 8 fundamental objectives and 44 means objectives, representing values offered by the metaverse. The means-ends relationships among the fundamental and means objectives are presented in a means-ends objective network. The fundamental objectives or values of the metaverse to its users comprise self-esteem, image, social connections, emotional well-being, sense of achievement, educational benefits, aesthetic appreciation, and business opportunities. The means-ends objective network derived from this research provides guidance for prioritising features and affordances in future development of the metaverse.

Keywords

Metaverse, Value-focused thinking, Means-ends objective network, Means objectives, Ends objectives, Value

Discipline

Artificial Intelligence and Robotics

Research Areas

Intelligent Systems and Optimization

Areas of Excellence

Digital transformation

Publication

Technological Forecasting and Social Change

Volume

222

First Page

1

Last Page

23

ISSN

0040-1625

Identifier

10.1016/j.techfore.2025.124399

Publisher

Elsevier

Additional URL

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.techfore.2025.124399

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