The metaverse, an unknown universe
However, this new, increasingly trendy technology remains little recognized by most of the public. In fact, only 35% of French say they see what it is, including 14% “accurate”. If this result describes the metaverse as a niche universe, it also reveals a generational and social gap. The youngest thus showed a better knowledge of the subject (42% of 18-24 year olds saw what the metaverse was, compared with 28% of those aged 65 and older), as well as more high socio-professional categories (59% higher. compared with 27% of people without a diploma). These two fractures, generational and social, also manifest themselves in representations associated with the metaverse and in potential uses.
In detail, the intended use of the metaverse remains primarily entertainment-centered, the French have not yet understood the diversity of outlets offered by the metaverse. In addition, 21% consider them useless, the third factor mentioned. The strange lesson from this study, only 5% of French people cite the metaverse as a way to avoid health restrictions despite the tests given by concert organizations. , for example, if the rooms are closed.
The metaverse evokes fear in a clear majority of French people (75%), even within the most advanced categories of the subject population (49% of 18-24 years of age are afraid) . However, note a link between the level of knowledge in the metaverse and the level of fear towards them: the less people see what it is, the more anxious they become. This skepticism in the metaverse leads to the most feared expected state intervention to ensure that the virtual world respects the same rules as the real world (50% of people fear vis-à-vis the metaverse in favor of legislation, compared with 39% of those not afraid).
The French seem to be aware of the limitations of virtualization in our activities: eight out of ten believe that a virtual world will not make it possible to reduce carbon emissions in the real world. However, those under 35 are more likely to think the opposite (31% believe the virtual world reduces carbon emissions compared to 17% of those aged 35 and over). Even if young people are more sensitive to the environmental factor, they can be found here to be less aware of the impact of digital technology, perhaps allowing a “tension” to arise between the two of their centers. interests: digital technology and the environment. .
The French do not present themselves in a virtual world
The metaverse seems to be dating to attract some French: none in ten (8%) plan to make digital double it. And in detail, a clear minority of French say they are willing to invest their money in digital goods and services.
A virtual world limited to entertainment
Fun is seen many times in this survey as a strong axis of the metaverse. Not only is this the first known use (60% of mentions), but also the first expected by potential users. In fact, entertainment seems to be the first digital service for which the French say they are willing to pay. The players expected to prioritize in the metaverse are museums, theaters and concert organizers ahead of public administrations and private companies.
Facebook has failed to establish itself as a metaverse reference in French opinion
Only 15% of French are in favor of their Facebook account being linked to digital profiles in the metaverse. In addition, less than one in three French (26%) say they rely on the company to create and manage a metaverse. And if the latter is put in competition with other players in terms of data protection, the group is in the last position, its image is definitely still affected by various scandals of data leaks from social network users. , including Cambridge Analytica in 2014 Thus, 17% of French people rely on Facebook to manage their personal data in the metaverse, far behind more traditional players such as banks (38%) or the public institutions (25%).
So far, Facebook’s turn to the metaverse, characterized primarily by the group’s name change, does not seem to have driven public opinion in France. In addition to the lack of trust in social networks, the lack of training of the majority can be explained in particular by its distance from the metaverse universe.
Our next issue of Data Date will be devoted to this event, we will meet on 02/10 to find out all about the metaverse. Sign up for Linkin by following this link!