A study on Metaverse risk factors and user risk perception in South Korea

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to identify and categorize risks associated with the use of Metaverse platforms like Roblox, ZEPETO, and ifland, and to provide recommendations for creating a safer Metaverse environment. Based on a comprehensive literature review of Metaverse risks, this study identified a total of 21 specific risk factors. An online survey of 715 users assessed perceived risks (Risk Occurrence × Risk Seriousness). The survey analysis revealed the following key findings. Firstly, Metaverse platform users rated both Risk Occurrence and Risk Seriousness of Cyberbullying and Harassment as high, resulting in this factor having the highest overall Risk Perception. This elevated Risk Perception was observed not only among both male and female users but also across age groups from users in their 20s–40s. In contrast, users aged 50 and above displayed the highest Risk Perception for Language Destruction. Among platforms, ZEPETO recorded the highest level of Risk Perception, followed by Roblox and ifland.