Metaverse in E-Commerce Industry: Current Trends and Future Prospects
摘要
This study aimed to understand the key driving forces behind businesses developing the metaverse and related technologies, such as virtual reality, augmented reality, artificial intelligence, mixed reality, and extended reality, specifically for e-commerce, which encompasses online shopping and selling. To investigate this, the researchers conducted a questionnaire survey study. The survey was distributed online to collect responses from relevant participants involved in e-commerce. The findings revealed several significant motivators driving businesses to adopt metaverse technologies for e-commerce, including the provision of new immersive experiences that better engage customers through virtual worlds and social interactions. However, major constraints and challenges were also uncovered, including accessibility issues, interoperability problems, and uncertainty around consumer demand. The study concluded that while the metaverse presents promising opportunities for transforming and enhancing e-commerce experiences, overcoming the identified challenges requires a comprehensive approach involving multiple stakeholders. This includes promoting digital accessibility initiatives, establishing interoperability standards, and gaining a deeper understanding of actual consumer demand.