Study of Metaverse Prospect, Implications and Sustainability Based on Perception of University Students in Indonesia

Abstract

Technological advancement is accelerating in this Industry 4.0 era, resulting in numerous changes in human life. As university students or so-called agents of change, we expected to adapt quickly. Metaverse is one of the hotly debated topics these days. Thus, the goal of this research is to look at the metaverse's prospects, implications, and sustainability through the eyes of university students in Indonesia. Purposive sampling was used as the research method. We also designed a metaverse environment simulation room and invited our respondents to come in to experience the world of the metaverse there, followed by filling out the questionnaire. The simulation is held to collect valid data on respondents' perceptions related to the ease of use, usefulness, and intention to use metaverse based on their real simulation experience, not just on their assumptions. The findings indicated that the metaverse's prospects are very decent, but the societies and existing infrastructure are still insufficient to implement the metaverse. Meanwhile, the metaverse's ease of use has a significant impact on the intention to use. As a result, we need to prepare several things carefully during transition and adaptation. Especially in terms of infrastructure readiness and accessibility.