Article Details
  • Published Online:
    March  2025
  • Product Name:
    The IUP Journal of Information Technology
  • Product Type:
    Article
  • Product Code:
    IJIT040325
  • DOI:
    10.71329/IUPJIT/2025.21.1.76-94
  • Author Name:
    Yoginder Kumar, Ravi Kumar, Subodh Kumar Sharma and A B Thapliyal
  • Availability:
    YES
  • Subject/Domain:
    Engineering
  • Download Format:
    PDF
  • Pages:
    76-94
Volume 21, Issue 1, March 2025
Convergence of Metaverse and Social Media: Challenges and Opportunities
Abstract

The integration of metaverse with social media will create a powerful and transformative experience for the next generation, disconnecting the users from the physical world as its 3D virtual environment will prove to be more fascinating and engaging than reality itself. Therefore, it will not only change the history of the Internet but also reshape the field of interaction. Through a comprehensive analysis of present trends, research papers, and expert opinions, this paper provides a nuanced understanding of the dual-edged nature of social media in the metaverse. It aims to inform the stakeholders, including policymakers, businesses and users, about the necessary steps to maximize benefits, while minimizing potential harms, in this rapidly evolving digital frontier. This study also discusses the threats and opportunities faced by stakeholders when using metaverse social media in the future.

Introduction

People around the world were surprised by Mark Zuckerberg’s announcement at the end of 2021 that his company would change its name from Facebook to Meta (Molina & Guynn, 2021; Isaac, 2021). This rebranding reflects the company’s transition towards the evolving concept of the metaverse. The term “Meta,” derived from the Greek word meaning “Beyond,” combined with “Verse,” denoting “Universe,” defines the metaverse as a digital space that merges digital and physical environment.