An Investigation into the Relationship between Metaverse Usage Patterns and Cultural Tastes: A Study of Avatar Formation among Generation Z

• Hyun Ah Park,
• Kyung Han You,

Vol. 18, No. 6, June 30, 2024
10.3837/tiis.2024.06.014, Download Paper (Free):

• Metaverse
• Cultural Taste
• avatar
• Generation

Abstract

The metaverse is an emerging interactive domain that enables people to participate in an array of activities utilizing cutting-edge technologies. Generation Z perceives no substantial distinction between their virtual and actual identities, regarding the virtual world as an extension of reality. As an attempt to apply Bourdieu’s theory of cultural taste and cultural capital to the area of the metaverse avatar, investigates the impact of users' cultural tastes on the avatars they create and experience in the metaverse. The research employed both focus group interviews and individual in-depth interviews with users of Generation Z. The study demonstrated that Generation Z users exhibit unrestricted engagement in the metaverse, although their behavior is significantly affected by their economic situation. One's cultural tastes, influenced by diverse interactions with their parents, greatly impact how they engage in cultural activities in the metaverse. Three categories were identified from the perception of avatars: Idealized Self-Representation Avatars, Atypical Self-Representation Avatars, and Integrated Self-Representation Avatars. Perceiving avatars as an extension of the self was associated with higher cultural capital. Participants held divergent perspectives on the metaverse, with certain individuals regarding it as a realm of imagination or a limitless arena for activities.

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